1
as in anarchy
a state in which there is widespread wrongdoing and disregard for rules and authority
the western frontier was notorious for its lawlessness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crime
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
lawlessness in the city had reached an unconscionable and intolerable level
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawlessness
Though Abuja claims to be ramping up its campaign against radical militias, hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped so far this year, underscoring the lawlessness that pervades swaths of the country.
—
semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
This complete lack of any accountability has created a culture of violence and lawlessness at DHS.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
But lawlessness doesn’t grant much freedom, Fallout posits.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
The lawlessness in the streets is matched by the unprecedented financial fraud occurring on your watch.
—Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
What motivated their action was not lawlessness but consciousness.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
People's Liberation Army troops under Mao's control either ignored the violence or offered support to the insurrectionists while the country descended into lawlessness and retribution.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
Later, Venezuelans fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
This complete lack of any accountability has created a culture of violence and lawlessness at DHS.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
But lawlessness doesn’t grant much freedom, Fallout posits.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
The lawlessness in the streets is matched by the unprecedented financial fraud occurring on your watch.
—Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
What motivated their action was not lawlessness but consciousness.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
People's Liberation Army troops under Mao's control either ignored the violence or offered support to the insurrectionists while the country descended into lawlessness and retribution.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
Later, Venezuelans fled economic chaos and lawlessness under the repressive regimes of Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
-
From ancient sources philosophers and poets, democrats and demagogues, found justification for everything from anarchy to fascism, and there are reasons for both justifications.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Invariably, anarchy reigns both on stage and off in the wings, usually exacerbated by the triangular tensions — sometimes romantic, sometimes simply professional — produced between the weekly celebrity guest, Kermit and Miss Piggy.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Police officials at a news conference said the officers had collected personal and private information unlawfully and distributed it to organized crime figures, in some cases for bribes, and that mobsters then carried out shootings and other violent crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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Last week, the topic took center stage again when Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, posted a video accusing Armenian crime groups of carrying out widespread hospice fraud in Los Angeles.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brain imaging studies of criminality going back to 2009 have suggested that damage to a swath of white matter called the right uncinate fasciculus is somehow involved when people commit violent acts.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The government, along with much of purple and red America, pound the message that ICE in Minnesota is all about state corruption and criminality.—
Ed Bok Lee,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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