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
The series primarily concerns Flint's efforts to wrangle his crew and protect the lawlessness of the island New Providence, as well as quests to attain treasure across the high seas.
—
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota, remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—February 25, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
But many Mexicans remained unconvinced that the military operation would in fact weaken Oseguera’s cartel, and that the spate of brazen lawlessness was over.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
To fight for economic opportunity, fair representation, and to be a check on lawlessness.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
One judge recently suggested that ICE was developing a troubling culture of lawlessness, while experts have questioned whether job applicants are getting enough vetting and training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
And yet, chaos and lawlessness are not granularly directed.
—Ernesto Burden, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota, remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.
—February 25, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
But many Mexicans remained unconvinced that the military operation would in fact weaken Oseguera’s cartel, and that the spate of brazen lawlessness was over.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
To fight for economic opportunity, fair representation, and to be a check on lawlessness.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
One judge recently suggested that ICE was developing a troubling culture of lawlessness, while experts have questioned whether job applicants are getting enough vetting and training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
And yet, chaos and lawlessness are not granularly directed.
—Ernesto Burden, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 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
-
Last month, her government unveiled a legal reform allowing the deportation of foreigners who have been sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Sometimes a provider’s NPI is used without their knowledge or consent, a crime known as NPI theft that is commonly committed to facilitate Medicaid fraud.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Somehow, the right to protest became an expression of an ideology that defends criminality.—
Roger Van Zanen,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
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For over a decade, Ajax have been attempting to educate the club’s young players about the dangers of being drawn into criminality.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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