Illicit
mediumNegative toneih-LIS-it
adjective
Definition
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal
Memory hook
ILL-ICIT: it makes society ILL because it's illegal — not ELICIT (draw out) but forbidden by law.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The police discovered an illicit gambling operation.”
“Their illicit relationship was eventually exposed.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The police discovered an ______ gambling operation.”
Show answer
illicit
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Illicit is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "illegal" or "unlawful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "legal".
Related GRE Words
legitimate
Conforming to the law or rules; genuine; valid
proscribe
To forbid or prohibit; to condemn or denounce
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
abstract
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
acclaim
Enthusiastic public praise or approval
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