NYT Dictionary

ILLICITLY

/ˈɪlɪsɪtliː/

AdverbIL-lic-it-lyil-lic-it-ly · 4 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

In an illicit manner; illegally, immorally, or inappropriately.

Origin: Middle English

Etymology tree English illicit Middle English -ly English -ly English illicitly From illicit + -ly.

illegitimatelycriminallyforbiddenlyillegally illicitlyunlawfullyimmodestlyimmorallyimproperlyincontinently

legitimatelylicitlylawfully

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles: