1
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illegal
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 & Similar Words
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 lawless
This lawless crew shares dramaturgical DNA with the vice figures from medieval morality plays, personifications of sinfulness who would confide their schemes to the audience and make theatergoers their co-conspirators in a riveting game that obviously left its mark on a young Shakespeare.
—
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
But here, such altruistic considerations do not justify capitulating to a lawless authoritarian in the White House.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Within hours lies were flowing, predictably from a lawless and untrustworthy president and his dishonest DHS secretary, who blamed the victim in direct contradiction of video evidence.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Such a government is lawless and has no right to exist.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
But here, such altruistic considerations do not justify capitulating to a lawless authoritarian in the White House.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Within hours lies were flowing, predictably from a lawless and untrustworthy president and his dishonest DHS secretary, who blamed the victim in direct contradiction of video evidence.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Such a government is lawless and has no right to exist.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawless
Adjective
-
Texas criminal defense attorney Javier Guzman advised that aiding and abetting charges can result in fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the conduct and whether the assistance was for profit.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The driver was cited and is expected to get a criminal complaint for endangered driving.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
This news might come to many fans' surprise—but the sassy, whip-smart, and rebellious feminist Eloise Bridgerton does not stay single.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
-
With the sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Pluto all in Aquarius, the collective mood is future-focused, innovative, and a little rebellious.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The unlawful taking of items from a machine or device that is operated or activated by the use of coins.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Mississippi officials have argued that the state law is not preempted, while the RNC has urged the high court to strike down the Magnolia State’s law, along with similar ones in other states, as unlawful.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?—
Michael Pollan,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
-
About 15 years ago, in February 2011, a menacing group of young adults set the internet ablaze with its anarchic musical performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In a separate January operation, the FBI Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force executed five residential search warrants and arrested four Latin Kings members for drug trafficking and firearm possession charges, while seizing 10 firearms and more than $120,000 in illicit funds.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The biggest risk for government bonds is the possibility that the Bank of Japan is behind the curve, which could trigger disorderly inflation and necessitate more frequent rate hikes.—
Masahiro Hidaka,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
-
He is accused of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
William Daggett, who later served as Mitchellville’s police chief and interim city administrator before resigning the day the state audit was released, is charged with first-degree theft and felonious misconduct in office.—
Nick El Hajj,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The suspect is a 29-year-old woman from Lincoln Park, who faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, felonious assault on a police officer, and operating under the influence of drugs.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawless. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
