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
That includes defending Congress’s role on war powers and stopping ICE’s lawlessness.
—
Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The move comes after the spring-break-reminiscent event has been marred by tragedy and lawlessness in previous years.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
By three o’clock, our lawlessness had caught up with us; the line of students was long and our supplies were low.
—Saïd Sayrafiezadeh, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The professors said that after their arrests, they were targeted by threats and harassment, part of a pushback by conservatives who said universities were failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism and allowing lawlessness.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Israeli officials and military leaders have recently sounded the alarm over intensifying violence and lawlessness by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank, where arsons and deadly attacks have continued unabated.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
As Euphoria’s creator, writer, and director, Sam Levinson wants to craft a show about the pervasiveness of fentanyl, the dangers of addiction, and the lawlessness of the American West.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
The lawlessness afoot in Venezuela’s capital city is vibrantly captured in this gripping adaptation of Karina Sainz Borgo’s novel from the filmmaking team behind Bad Hair (Festival 2014).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Marylanders must never forget that many of the Democratic politicians still in office today once openly tolerated or supported the lawlessness that led to the destruction of the Columbus statue.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The move comes after the spring-break-reminiscent event has been marred by tragedy and lawlessness in previous years.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
By three o’clock, our lawlessness had caught up with us; the line of students was long and our supplies were low.
—Saïd Sayrafiezadeh, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The professors said that after their arrests, they were targeted by threats and harassment, part of a pushback by conservatives who said universities were failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism and allowing lawlessness.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Israeli officials and military leaders have recently sounded the alarm over intensifying violence and lawlessness by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank, where arsons and deadly attacks have continued unabated.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
As Euphoria’s creator, writer, and director, Sam Levinson wants to craft a show about the pervasiveness of fentanyl, the dangers of addiction, and the lawlessness of the American West.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
The lawlessness afoot in Venezuela’s capital city is vibrantly captured in this gripping adaptation of Karina Sainz Borgo’s novel from the filmmaking team behind Bad Hair (Festival 2014).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Marylanders must never forget that many of the Democratic politicians still in office today once openly tolerated or supported the lawlessness that led to the destruction of the Columbus statue.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
-
In his first Inaugural Address, on March 4, 1861, with seven states having already seceded from the Union, Lincoln proclaimed the essence of secession to be anarchy.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Through gleeful anarchy, a variety of filters, and a kinetic score, the two Maries spoil themselves with sweets, outwit suitors, and desecrate the rituals of fine dining in a glorious climax of rebellion.—
Jennifer Noyes,
Air Mail,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Anti-gang units, officials say, form the backbone of the department’s crime fighting efforts in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
But that, again, doesn’t stop the crime.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The agency is on the clock with its investigations, mandated by the state to complete accident investigations within six months, and, sources said, delays affect its ability to assess fines and determine criminality, and may have harmed families ability to receive restitution.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
But the public image was always one of criminality rather than survival.—
Pablo Larios,
Artforum,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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