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
  • This shift has moved in tandem with the growing dynamic of parliamentarians becoming more rebellious and less loyal to their leadership.
    — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
  • John Mellencamp's rebellious spirit drives him Along with his status as blue-collar rocker, Mellencamp is also a respected artist.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Saleem Martin, who has been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Police said one concertgoer was issued a summons for disorderly conduct and another for disorderly behavior.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Definition of disorderly
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, 18-to-25-year-olds saw declines in the use of nicotine products, tobacco, cigarette, alcohol and binge drinking in the past month as well as the use of illicit drugs and prescription stimulants or opioids within the past year.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But the illicit art is only part of the operatic tale of the literal rise and metaphorical fall of what have become informally known as the graffiti towers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anarchic

Nglish: Translation of anarchic for Spanish Speakers

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