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 crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty and terror.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
25 Feb. 2025 -
Without laws, a country devolves into anarchy and lawlessness.—
Willie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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He was convicted in June of three federal crimes related to the purchase of a firearm and, in September, pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Mar. 2025
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The case has unnerved officials in Bangkok, worried about damage to Thailand's tourism industry due to fears of cross-border crime.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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An investigation is ongoing, but criminality is not suspected in her death, per police.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
27 Feb. 2025
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During the hearing, a state prosecutor, Michael Grillo, told the judge that the government had more evidence of criminality than the facts included in the indictment.—
Tracey Tully,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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