lawless

lawless

adjective

Definition of LAWLESS

1

not restrained by or under the control of legal authority <the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight>

Synonyms anarchic (also anarchical), disorderly, lawbreaking, unruly

Related Words defiant, insubordinate, mutinous, rebellious, refractory, riotous; undisciplined; criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful; disobedient, froward, intractable, recalcitrant

Near Antonyms lawful, legal, legalized, legitimate; amenable, compliant, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable

Antonyms law-abiding, orderly

2

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 criminal, felonious, illegitimate, illicit, lawless, unlawful, wrongful

Related Words bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; adulterine, bootleg, unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; under-the-counter, under-the-table; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous

Near Antonyms ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous; allowed, permitted; authorized, licensed; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported; correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Antonyms lawful, legal, legitimate