Synonyms of lawlessness

lawlessness

noun

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

• anarchy
• chaos
• unrest
• misrule
• turmoil
• strife
• turbulence
• upheaval
• confusion
• disruption
• havoc
• disorder
• anarchism
• commotion
• criminality
• disorganization
• riot
• rebellion
• disarray
• uprising
• revolution
• mutiny
• disturbance
• tumult
• disorderliness
• uproar
• outlawry
• misorder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• law
• rule
• legitimacy
• legality
• lawfulness
• peace
• law-abidingness
• harmony
• tranquility
• order
• orderliness
• peacefulness
• calmness
• quiet
• peaceableness

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

• crime
• criminality
• corruption
• lawbreaking
• evil
• racketeering
• malfeasance
• outlawry
• misconduct
• immorality
• gangsterism
• wickedness
• wrongdoing
• hooliganism
• sin
• depravity
• trespass
• transgression
• misdeed
• offense
• malefaction
• misdoing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lawlessness

During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Watson’s family implored Ruff to impose the maximum sentence, saying Sayers’ cruelty, lawlessness and hypocrisy were unforgivable. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 25 July 2026

But its ferocity led right-wing broadcasters and influencers to start talking about a new kind of urban lawlessness enabled by liberal social policies. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Our founders did not envision a nation with an open border and lawlessness. — Scott Singer, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

His answer to lawlessness was not to fight it with more lawlessness. — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

Americans are accustomed to showing wide deference to senior military leaders, treating them as dutiful public servants rather than possible enablers of presidential lawlessness. — Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

Ramaphosa accused these groups of exploiting migration anxieties to sow division through lawlessness and violence. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 June 2026

But some Democrats worry her mayoral record during the tumult of the pandemic, which included struggles to deal with violent protests and lawlessness, along with her stunning decision not to seek a second term would hobble her bid. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 18 May 2026

And the message that lawlessness runs the streets is over. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026