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
Relevance
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
-
There’s never an explanation for his madness or his scars, just as there’s never a straightforward articulation of his plans beyond the broad incitement of anarchy.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
9 May 2025 -
Navigating gangs, warlords and anarchy, Snake must rely on his skills and survival instincts to complete the mission before time runs out.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
From cold cases cracked decades later to trials still underway, here are 18 fatal crimes that occurred at colleges and universities.—
Corin Cesaric,
People.com,
18 May 2025
-
Still, Pritzker's balancing act—managing a blue state in the heartland with challenges ranging from crime to affordability while also eyeing a national platform—remains fraught.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
For decades, cannabis was associated with rebellion, subversion, and in some cases, criminality.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
This shift undermines the association of cannabis with criminality or deviance.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share