extralegal

adjective

ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb

Examples of extralegal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brazil’s right-wing populist strongman Jair Bolsonaro sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions after his election as president in 2018 but narrowly lost his bid for reelection in 2022 (and failed in his extralegal effort to overturn the result). Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 In interviews, Harris voters often cited fears that Trump will ignore the Constitution and use extralegal means to target his enemies, whether that's undocumented migrants, trans people or his political enemies. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 The conspiracy-minded held forth in law enforcement in Arizona and in extralegal groups distrustful of government. Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 24 July 2024 Between 1946 and 1970, the country experienced 21 changes of government, almost all of them extralegal, including ten military coups. Robert D. Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for extralegal 

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extralegal was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near extralegal

Cite this Entry

“Extralegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extralegal. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb

Legal Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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