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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Review: 'The White Lotus' Season 3 is on the edge of anarchy Anitta's viewing taste for the silver screen provides similar food for thought.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025 -
Realism starts with the assumption that in world politics, anarchy reigns: no ultimate authority can settle disputes or guarantee restraint.—
Jonathan Kirshner,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station watch commander informed the Times no crime had taken place at the residence.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
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Medina and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said nearly every category of crime has come down since the beginning of the year because of the work already being done by the police force.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Part of the problem is that, in the Brazilian legislature, corruption and criminality are so endemic as to be inextricable from the job of governance.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to a level of violence and criminality that reflects Russia’s utter contempt for the laws of armed conflict.—
The Editors,
National Review,
20 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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