Quick answer
Smuggle means to move something secretly and illegally. It is usually pronounced SMUG-ul, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Smuggle
To smuggle means to move something secretly and illegally. It belongs to ridiculous verbs and works best in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you smuggle, you to move something secretly and illegally. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Smuggle feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Smuggle is generally traced to possibly of Low German or Dutch origin. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Smuggle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- They tried to smuggle rare artifacts out of the country.
- The screenplay manages to smuggle genuine emotion into a silly premise.
- She smuggled snacks into the cinema in her tote bag.
- The novel follows a crew hired to smuggle medicine across a blockade.
When should you use this word?
Use smuggle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
Similar words
sneak, traffic, conceal and carry, slip through
Opposite or contrasting words
declare, report, legal transport
Common questions
- What does smuggle mean? To move something secretly and illegally.
- How do you pronounce smuggle? It is commonly pronounced SMUG-ul.
- Is smuggle still used today? Smuggle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use smuggle? Use smuggle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
- What words are similar to smuggle? Similar words include sneak, traffic, conceal and carry, and slip through.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.