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anarchic

adjective

a-ˈnär-kik How to pronounce anarchic (audio)
variants also anarchical
Definition of anarchicnext
as in rebellious
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority the citywide blackouts caused anarchic looting and rioting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 anarchic In a nod to the Marx Brothers’ anarchic spirit, Ramseur announced the project on April 1. — Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026 The action was technical and inventive but also anarchic, in the image of its director, former Monty Python actor Terry Gilliam, by this point a big name in Hollywood. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 3 June 2026 No one embodies this anarchic sensibility like David Letterman, the original Late Show host, who recently joined Colbert to hurl CBS property off the studio’s roof, in a reprisal of a vintage bit. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026 In the ’90s, when Letterman took that vibe to CBS to launch The Late Show, his replacement, Conan O’Brien, brought an anarchic, surreal approach that went on to influence a new generation of comedians. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anarchic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anarchic
  1. rebellious
  2. criminal
  3. disorderly
  4. illicit
  5. lawless
Adjective
  • The tech world has always had a self-consciously rebellious relationship with societal norms.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Costarring Katey Sagal, Amy Davidson, James Garner, and David Spade, the series followed the futile attempts of Ritter’s Paul Hennessy and Sagal’s Cate Hennessy to tame their rebellious teenage daughter, Bridget (Cuoco).
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Both raised concerns about the 2024 version, telling state lawmakers that the universities could face criminal penalties, civil fines or the loss of federal contracts.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • To spoil more of the joke’s punch lines would be criminal, but rest assured her son eventually confronts her about it.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Several people were arrested and charged with simple assault and disorderly offenses during an anti-ICE protest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday.
    — Nikki DeMentri, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Betty Laura Zapata | Bloomberg | Getty Images The growing threat posed by advanced artificial intelligence models could trigger a disorderly correction in global financial markets, according to Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of disorderly
Adjective
  • China has strengthened its seed protection laws several times in the last few years; similarly, Japan passed new legislation in July to prevent the illicit export of homegrown varieties.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to the manufacturer, the system is designed to deactivate organic medications including opioids, most illicit drugs and vape fluid in different forms like pills, liquid and patches.
    — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • As a peripheral community grows around them, this lawless terrain is suddenly subject to boundaries and contracts and taxes; both uneducated and illiterate, Isak and Inger are ill prepared for such societal evolution.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Maryland leaders must make clear that brutality and lawless intimidation will not be tolerated.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of lawless

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anarchic
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Cite this Entry

“Anarchic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anarchic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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