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 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 Its poster seems to capture the group’s anarchic spirit, proving that age hasn’t dulled their rebel yell. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 17 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 Europe’s three major institutions, Bologna, Paris and Oxford, welcomed between 1,000 and 2,500 students each in these early decades, and conditions were sprawling, anarchic and provisional. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anarchic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anarchic
  1. rebellious
  2. criminal
  3. disorderly
  4. illicit
  5. lawless
Adjective
  • While many may remember Cooter as a gregarious good ‘ol boy, the character had a wild, rebellious side in the first season of the show.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In a somewhat rebellious moment, Meghan attended her first Trooping the Colour ceremony wearing an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • In the filing, the Justice Department urged the appeals court to reverse the Tennessee federal judge’s ruling dismissing criminal charges against Abrego Garcia.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Another person, Robert Zanolla, faces charges of felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as related misdemeanors, the office said.
    — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Habib, who joined the department in 2007, was responding to a 911 call at a Bronx catering hall in 2023 when a drunk and disorderly man resisted arrest, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • He was then placed into custody for disorderly public intoxication and transported to Broward County’s main jail.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of disorderly
Adjective
  • Officials with family connections abroad have long been a target of Beijing’s anti-corruption watchdog – oversight designed to eliminate the opportunity to transfer illicit funds abroad.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Vietnam is a major hub for the illicit trade of wildlife, dead and alive.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • All the while trying to maintain order in their personal lives and at Paddy’s, which have become increasingly lawless and erratic.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • My friend chose to pray instead of conceding to the lawless demands.
    — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
Definition of lawless

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Cite this Entry

“Anarchic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anarchic. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anarchic

Nglish: Translation of anarchic for Spanish Speakers

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