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

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

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse five years ago, Haiti has existed in a state of anarchy, with organized crime controlling swaths of the country and subjecting millions of Haitians to deprivation and extreme violence. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Few if any of the committees called for democracy, which probably would have smacked of anarchy to them. — T. H. Breen, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026