Synonyms of anarchy

anarchy

noun

ˈa-nər-kē 

as in chaos

a state in which there is widespread wrongdoing and disregard for rules and authority

the anarchy that the country experienced after the dictator drained the treasury and fled the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chaos
• unrest
• lawlessness
• turmoil
• misrule
• strife
• upheaval
• turbulence
• disruption
• anarchism
• confusion
• havoc
• disorder
• riot
• rebellion
• revolution
• commotion
• disorganization
• disarray
• uprising
• disturbance
• mutiny
• criminality
• tumult
• disorderliness
• uproar
• misorder
• outlawry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• law
• rule
• legitimacy
• legality
• lawfulness
• peace
• harmony
• tranquility
• order
• orderliness
• law-abidingness
• calmness
• peacefulness
• quiet
• peaceableness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anarchy

Now Marie’s past threatens to catch up with her, and she is forced to do everything in her power to preserve her new status as lady of the house in post-war anarchy. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

The Mystic of my childhood, though, had a modicum of edge — kids with anarchy symbols on their jackets skateboarded outside a coffee shop that reeked of weed, and locals got rowdy at a dysfunctional watering hole called the Draw Bridge Inne. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

The Flyers’ offer sheet was an act of aggressive, beautiful sports anarchy. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 July 2026

Their descent into anarchy was a slow burn, rather than instant ignition. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026