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
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
The only alternative is lawlessness—the end result of an approach that has turned the City of Angels into an open-air homeless encampment.
—Washington Post, 7 May 2026
That includes defending Congress’s role on war powers and stopping ICE’s lawlessness.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 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
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
The only alternative is lawlessness—the end result of an approach that has turned the City of Angels into an open-air homeless encampment.
—Washington Post, 7 May 2026
That includes defending Congress’s role on war powers and stopping ICE’s lawlessness.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
-
Knicks fans have been leaning into the joke, posting TikTok edits foreshadowing Gotham-like anarchy.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
27 May 2026
-
What does anarchy mean to you now?—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The crime spree occurred from May to December 2023.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and associate, remains the only other person charged in connection with Epstein's crimes.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
4 June 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 7 Jun. 2026.
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