1
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
the level of lawless activity in the territory had reached the point where the authorities felt compelled to act
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawless
That would save countless American lives, not to mention billions of taxpayer dollars squandered on welfare for these lawless invaders.
—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Since the start, the strikes have been a lawless operation.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Your city is devolving into a lawless hell hole.
—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
For instance, new legislation could ensure justice for lawless government actors and constrain surveillance.
—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Since the start, the strikes have been a lawless operation.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Your city is devolving into a lawless hell hole.
—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
For instance, new legislation could ensure justice for lawless government actors and constrain surveillance.
—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawless
Adjective
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Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
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In May 2025, a Placer County criminal grand jury indicted both men.
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.
Adjective
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This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination.
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In 2000 at age 15, he was sent to live in Australia with a host family because his father thought Zhang was too rebellious to stay in China.
Adjective
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Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Johnson, said in an email that Sanchez-Munoz had been charged with one count of second-degree felony murder, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon and five counts of armed criminal action.
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The policies Goode violated include unlawful harassment discrimination policy, professional conduct, code of conduct and mobile data access.
Adjective
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For the anarchic, nearly surreal nature of the bits that make legendary cinematic daredevils ranging from Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan seem like wimps.
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In a nod to the Marx Brothers’ anarchic spirit, Ramseur announced the project on April 1.
Adjective
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So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
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Australian Federal Police via AP Six others allegedly involved in the importation of the cocaine had previously been arrested and charged with offenses related to illicit drugs possession, police said.
Adjective
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Their charges reportedly include assaulting a police officer, disorderly behavior in a police station, disorderly behavior, resisting arrest, obscene language, escape from lawful custody, causing dangerous harm and two counts of damage and obstruction.
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She was taken to the Hernando County Detention Center and was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, breach of peace/disorderly intoxication.
Adjective
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Police were serving a search warrant from a felonious assault case.
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In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene).
Cite this Entry
“Lawless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawless. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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