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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
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The grandfather also showed him the sorry sight of contemporary hedges deformed by diabolical flail trimmers that chewed the natural architecture of branches into an anarchy of twigs.—
Annie Proulx,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2025 -
Unique in its explorations of anarchy, capitalism, and individualism, The Dispossessed deserved each one of its many awards, and is an undeniable cornerstone for the genre.—
Robert English,
EW.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Many still wonder why he was permitted to carry on with his crimes for so long, whether other people who were complicit in them have escaped justice, and how much President Trump may have known while the two were friends.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
7 Aug. 2025
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When the bus driver asked what happened, Hirsch said a woman had been stabbed to death — even though authorities hadn't yet released any information on the crime, the State's Attorney said.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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No criminality is suspected in either case, according to police.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
11 Aug. 2025
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Sometimes Hollywood stories do involve real criminality, as with All the President’s Men.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
19 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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