NYT Dictionary

ILLEGAL

/ɪˈli.ɡəl/
AdjectiveNounil-LE-galil-le-gal · 3 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

Contrary to, forbidden, or not authorized by law, especially criminal law.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from French illégal, from Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin legalis, by surface analysis, il- + legal. In senses relating to immigration, via clipping of illegal alien or illegal immigrant.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

criminalfeloniousillicitirregularcrimefulillegalillegitimatelawbreakingnonlawfuloutlawed

Antonyms

lawfullegalde jurelegitimatelicitrightful

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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