as in anarchy
a state in which there is widespread wrongdoing and disregard for rules and authority
the country's long period of misrule left it in economic turmoil for over a decade
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to misconduct
to manage badly
accused of misruling his island nation to the point of economic collapse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misrule
Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
His regime’s misrule, combined with its alliance with transnational criminal organizations, has destabilized the entire region.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Congo had been brutally misruled by Belgium for over 70 years when the winds of change blew through in the late 1950s.
—Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for misrule
Noun
But, after decades of misrule, the PA is wildly unpopular among Palestinians themselves.
—Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
His regime’s misrule, combined with its alliance with transnational criminal organizations, has destabilized the entire region.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
The result is a society that feels both rule-bound and misruled, saturated with laws and yet strangely lawless.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Congo had been brutally misruled by Belgium for over 70 years when the winds of change blew through in the late 1950s.
—Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for misrule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misrule
Noun
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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
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In the American Colonies, many people saw Williams’ Rhode Island colony as a land of dangerous anarchy.—
Christopher Schelin,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In his Easter homily, the pope singled out those who wage war, abuse the weak and prioritize profits.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Administrator Crystal Ruth switches on dozens of heat lamps that radiate a yellow hue to warm at least 80 disabled, abandoned or formerly abused animals that call the rescue home.—
Julian Camejo,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But a ruling class that systematically blinds itself to the most profound longings of human beings will misunderstand and misgovern those under its sway.—
Benjamin and Jenna Storey,
WSJ,
12 Oct. 2021
Verb
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The Red Cross said the crash damaged the building and forced three families — a total of 10 people — from their homes.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
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Reports and satellite images later showed large parts of the city heavily damaged or reduced to rubble.—
Maliha Rahman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But given the agency’s track record of withholding information, mismanaging funds and failing to comply with audit recommendations, assurances alone are not enough.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Feb. 2026
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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a letter last week demanding information about the project and accusing the state of mismanaging federal funds.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Setrakian refused to say whether his work on Bonta’s defense might violate state corruption laws.—
Will Swaim,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
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But the implicit argument, that Colorado law effectively compels Jeffco to violate Title IX, is a major, predictable indictment of our legislature.—
Lisa Frizell,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misrule. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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