contraband Definition
- 1goods that are illegally imported or exported
- 2smuggled goods
Using contraband: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contraband" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police seized a large amount of contraband.
Example
He was caught smuggling contraband across the border.
Example
The prison guards searched for contraband among the inmates' belongings.
contraband Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for contraband
- bootleg
- illicit
- forbidden
- unauthorized
- prohibited
Antonyms for contraband
Phrases with contraband
goods that are prohibited from being traded with an enemy during a time of war
Example
The ship was carrying contraband of war and was seized by the navy.
illegal drugs that are smuggled into a country
Example
The customs officers found a large quantity of drug contraband in his luggage.
cigarettes or other tobacco products that are smuggled into a country to avoid taxes
Example
The police arrested several people for selling tobacco contraband.
Origins of contraband
from Italian 'contrabbando', meaning 'smuggling'
Summary: contraband in Brief
The term 'contraband' [ˈkɒntrəbænd] refers to goods that are illegally imported or exported, often smuggled. It includes items like drugs, cigarettes, and other prohibited goods. Examples include 'The police seized a large amount of contraband.' and 'He was caught smuggling contraband across the border.'