lawless

adjective

law·​less ˈlȯ-ləs How to pronounce lawless (audio)
Synonyms of lawlessnext
1
: not regulated by or based on law
2
a
: not restrained or controlled by law : unruly
b
: illegal
lawlessly adverb
lawlessness noun

Synonyms of lawless

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Examples of lawless in a Sentence

the lawless society of the frontier the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The sport, back then, was all but lawless. — Oskar Garcia, New York Times, 15 June 2026 Ser Jasper is arrested, but the atmosphere in the city is lawless. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison in Venezuela’s central state of Aragua. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 That would save countless American lives, not to mention billions of taxpayer dollars squandered on welfare for these lawless invaders. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawless

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lawless was in the 12th century

Rhymes for lawless

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Browse Nearby Words

law Latin
lawless
lawlike
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Cite this Entry

“Lawless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawless. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lawless

adjective
law·​less ˈlȯ-ləs How to pronounce lawless (audio)
1
: not based on or regulated by law
the lawless society of the frontier
2
: not controlled by law : unruly, disorderly
lawless mob
lawlessly adverb
lawlessness noun

Legal Definition

lawless

adjective
law·​less
1
: not restrained or controlled by law
2
: illegal
a lawless act
lawlessly adverb
lawlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lawless

Nglish: Translation of lawless for Spanish Speakers

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