Find Synonyms

contraband Synonyms

Another word for contraband

Choosing another word for contraband depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

Goods that have been imported or exported illegally, or items that are forbidden by law or institutional rules to be possessed.

Usage Example

"Customs inspectors searched the shipping containers thoroughly for undeclared bootleg."

Strong
bootleg
Weak
plunder
loot

• adjective (Context 2)

Prohibited by law or treaty from being imported, exported, or possessed.

Usage Example

"Port authorities confiscated several crates of smuggled merchandise before the cargo ship could leave the harbor."

Strongest
smuggled
illicit
illegal
Strong
prohibited
forbidden
unlawful
bootleg
banned

• noun (Context 3)

Illegal or prohibited traffic in goods; smuggling.

Usage Example

"Coastal patrols were increased in the nineteenth century to suppress maritime smuggling."

Strongest
smuggling
trafficking
Strong
bootlegging
Weak
piracy

Opposites of contraband

The opposite of contraband shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

legal
licit
lawful
permitted
authorized
legitimate
See all opposites of contraband

• Nearby Words

contoured
contouring
contra
contraband
contraception
contraceptive
contract

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Contraband. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/contraband
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