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
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
Though Abuja claims to be ramping up its campaign against radical militias, hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped so far this year, underscoring the lawlessness that pervades swaths of the country.
—semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
This complete lack of any accountability has created a culture of violence and lawlessness at DHS.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
But lawlessness doesn’t grant much freedom, Fallout posits.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
The lawlessness in the streets is matched by the unprecedented financial fraud occurring on your watch.
—Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
What motivated their action was not lawlessness but consciousness.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
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
Though Abuja claims to be ramping up its campaign against radical militias, hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped so far this year, underscoring the lawlessness that pervades swaths of the country.
—semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
This complete lack of any accountability has created a culture of violence and lawlessness at DHS.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
But lawlessness doesn’t grant much freedom, Fallout posits.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
The lawlessness in the streets is matched by the unprecedented financial fraud occurring on your watch.
—Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
What motivated their action was not lawlessness but consciousness.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 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
-
Foro Penal Vice President Gonzalo Himiob added that amnesty does not imply admission of guilt or responsibility for any crime.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The report found that half of the journalists detained were never charged with a crime and were held under Israel’s administrative detention system, which allows for suspects deemed a security risk to be held for six months and can be renewed indefinitely.—
Imad Isseid,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brain imaging studies of criminality going back to 2009 have suggested that damage to a swath of white matter called the right uncinate fasciculus is somehow involved when people commit violent acts.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The government, along with much of purple and red America, pound the message that ICE in Minnesota is all about state corruption and criminality.—
Ed Bok Lee,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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