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Synonyms

extralegal

American  
[ek-struh-lee-guhl] / ˌɛk strəˈli gəl /

adjective

  1. being beyond the province or authority of law.

    There were only extralegal recourses for their grievances.


Other Word Forms

  • extralegally adverb

Etymology

Origin of extralegal

First recorded in 1635–45; extra- + legal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He eventually finds his place in the service of the Atar family, landowners and power brokers, the sort of people who can call on a government minister for extralegal favors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Furthermore, unofficial or extralegal migration continued throughout the program and many of those deported to Mexico during the operation later returned to the U.S.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2024

A statue of a USC founder whose connection to groups that carried out extralegal lynchings raised questions about the statue’s placement was removed last month for routine maintenance, university officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

Depriving a child from an incarcerated parent is an extralegal action having no basis in law or policy.

From Slate • Oct. 12, 2023

Why do you think he pursues extralegal solutions to business challenges?

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2022