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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When Herod enters, the music lurches between saccharine waltz episodes and spasms of Expressionistic anarchy—a fracturing of the lingua franca.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025 -
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
Noun
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Since the teen didn't have a criminal record, the state Department of Juvenile Services characterized the offenses as lower-level crimes and allowed him to be released, Hamill said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
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Tracy Neal is an award-winning reporter who covers criminal justice (courts and crime) for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.—
Tracy Neal,
Arkansas Online,
30 May 2025
Noun
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For decades, cannabis was associated with rebellion, subversion, and in some cases, criminality.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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This shift undermines the association of cannabis with criminality or deviance.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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