illegal
0 antonyms and opposites of illegal, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Against the law; not authorised or permitted by legislation.
How to use illegal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French illégal, from Medieval Latin illegalis — "not" (il-) + "legal" (legalis).
Full origin of illegal →Frequently asked questions
What does “illegal” mean?
The word “illegal” means against the law; not authorised or permitted by legislation. In plain terms, not permitted by the law — the opposite of legal.
How do you pronounce “illegal”?
“Illegal” is pronounced ih-LEE-guhl (/ɪˈli.ɡəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “illegal” in a sentence?
Here is “illegal” used in a sentence: “It is illegal to drive without a valid licence.”
What is another word for “illegal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “illegal” include illegal immigrant.
What part of speech is “illegal”?
“Illegal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “illegal” come from?
The word “illegal” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from French illégal, from Medieval Latin illegalis — "not" (il-) + "legal" (legalis).
Is “illegal” a common word?
“Illegal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between illegal and illicit?
Illegal means specifically against the law — forbidden by legislation, like driving without a license. Illicit is broader: it covers anything forbidden by law, custom, or morality, and often carries a sense of secrecy or disapproval, as in an illicit affair. Everything illegal is illicit, but not everything illicit is strictly illegal.
What is the difference between illegal and unlawful?
The two overlap heavily and are often interchangeable, but there is a shade of difference. Illegal usually means expressly forbidden by a specific statute or criminal law. Unlawful is a touch broader, covering anything not permitted by law, including acts that break civil rules without being outright crimes. In everyday speech, most people treat them as synonyms.
What is the opposite of illegal?
The direct opposite is legal — allowed and recognized by law. Related words include "lawful," "permitted," and "authorized." Something legal complies with the rules and carries no penalty, whereas something illegal breaks them and can be punished. The pair marks the basic line between what the law allows and what it forbids.