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
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
However, using lawlessness, chaos and destruction to make a cultural point will forever remain a hallmark of 21st-century Democrats.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
Spring break at Daytona Beach has once again descended into lawlessness.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
We are united in reining in the lawlessness of ICE.
—NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
To control the increasing lawlessness that was occurring in the Torres Strait region and regulate the two commercial marine industries, the colonial government of Queensland officially annexed many of the islands in the Torres Strait in 1872 and the remainder of them in 1879.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Courts have found that true threats and the incitement of lawlessness are outside the reach of First Amendment protection.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2026
While the president boasts 70%-plus approval ratings, many in Mexico are fed up with the rampant lawlessness.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
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
However, using lawlessness, chaos and destruction to make a cultural point will forever remain a hallmark of 21st-century Democrats.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
Spring break at Daytona Beach has once again descended into lawlessness.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
We are united in reining in the lawlessness of ICE.
—NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
To control the increasing lawlessness that was occurring in the Torres Strait region and regulate the two commercial marine industries, the colonial government of Queensland officially annexed many of the islands in the Torres Strait in 1872 and the remainder of them in 1879.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
Courts have found that true threats and the incitement of lawlessness are outside the reach of First Amendment protection.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2026
While the president boasts 70%-plus approval ratings, many in Mexico are fed up with the rampant lawlessness.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
-
Mabel, in faux-beaver form, rallies the wildlife to fight Mayor Jerry but sows anarchy in doing so.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
-
In the American Colonies, many people saw Williams’ Rhode Island colony as a land of dangerous anarchy.—
Christopher Schelin,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage?—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The ranger called crime-scene investigators to the location.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But your research suggests that there might be genetic factors that lead to aggressive behavior or other forms of criminality.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
-
For much of the 20th century in the United States, tattoos were associated with rebellion and criminality — linked to prisoners, gangs and subcultures, as well as servicemen like sailors and soldiers.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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