Synonyms for

Smuggling

Verb / ˈsmʌglɪŋ / / ˈsmʌgʌlɪŋ / Another word for smuggling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Smuggling is the act of illegally bringing goods into or out of a country.

Synonyms & similar words

smuggle trafficking bootlegging contraband running sneaking transporting importing exporting underground underworld moonshining rumrunning piracy fencing dealing

Synonyms by register

Formal

illicit trafficking contraband trade underground commerce

Informal

bootlegging running dealing

Literary

clandestine transport shadow trade

Antonyms

legalizing licensing reporting declaring permitting authorizing

Common collocations

  • smuggling drugs
  • smuggling weapons
  • smuggling people
  • smuggling goods
  • smuggling into the country
  • preventing smuggling
  • combating smuggling

Word family

noun smuggling
verb smuggle
adjective smuggled

Usage note

Smuggling refers to the illegal movement of goods or people across borders. It often carries a negative connotation of deceit and criminality.

Example sentences

  1. The police stopped the truck that was smuggling illegal cigarettes.
  2. The smugglers hid the drugs in a secret compartment in the car.
  3. The government is cracking down on smuggling.
  4. The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison for smuggling diamonds.
  5. The border patrol caught the smugglers trying to cross the border with counterfeit money.

Quotes

  • Smuggling is the lifeblood of the world's shadow economy.
  • Smuggling, as a high-profit, low-risk business, attracts all sorts of people.
  • Smuggling operates on supply and demand. It's a business.

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