smuggler

noun

ˈsmə-glər How to pronounce smuggler (audio)
Definition of smugglernext
as in runner
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally during Prohibition, smugglers of alcohol did a brisk business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of smuggler How Fentanyl Enters the U.S.: Mexican drug cartels are turning thousands of Americans into fentanyl smugglers, sending an army of couriers who can easily cross between both countries. — Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 In addition to Hackman's win, the iconic action film — which follows New York City detectives' pursuit of a French drug smuggler — won a total of five Oscars that night, including Best Picture and Best Director for William Friedken. — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Many of the migrants are coming from China and making their way to The Bahamas, where smugglers take them in boats that moor in the mangroves along South Florida’s waterways before waiting vans pick them up. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025 The Little Maria controversy did no favors for human-rights activists, either, whom the government liked to paint as feckless—or even as smugglers masquerading as do-gooders. — Lauren Markham, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smuggler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smuggler
  1. runner
  2. courier
  3. bootlegger
  4. mule
Noun
  • If they weren’t dressed as animals, beer bottles, giant burritos, glittery unicorns, or cartoon and video game characters, runners had on foam reindeer antlers.
    — Gregory Wakeman, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Hampton is a powerful downhill runner who racked up 1,660 yards in 2024 and also flashed pass-catching ability out of the backfield.
    — Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of runner
Noun
  • DeJoy established the 10-year Delivering for America plan in 2021, but that blueprint failed to meet the courier’s breakeven goals for 2023 and 2024.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Inside the growing scam using couriers to pick up gold bars from victims The urgency to locate the gold comes despite the U.S. dollar no longer being linked to the value of gold.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of courier
Noun
  • The Real McCoy line (named after a famous bootlegger of the 1920s) is distilled at Foursquare is more affordable and easier to find but doesn’t skimp on the quality.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
  • What eliminated the bootleggers wasn’t more prohibition, but legalization, after all.
    — The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of bootlegger
Noun
  • Once a station for switching out horses and mules for fresh ones along the old Oregon-to-California Trail, a 54-acre ranch near Mount Shasta has hit the market for under $1 million.
    — David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Sleek Flats: The Feminine Finish For a soft, elegant touch, flat mules or strappy sandals are the perfect pairing with wide-leg pants, as these delicate styles contrast beautifully with oversized silhouettes, adding a hint of polish without overpowering.
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of mule

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Cite this Entry

“Smuggler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smuggler. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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