1
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
the level of lawless activity in the territory had reached the point where the authorities felt compelled to act
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawless
Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in Venezuela’s central state of Aragua.
—
Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Most Arizona suburbanites apparently live in a lawless Wild West in terms of crime, traffic accidents and alcohol abuse, according to a new study.
—Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Today, what was once the cultural and financial hub of the enclave, lies in lawless ruins, devastated by months of a brutal Israeli assault triggered by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel almost two years ago.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
The last thing law enforcement should be doing is engaging in actions that create a more lawless society.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Most Arizona suburbanites apparently live in a lawless Wild West in terms of crime, traffic accidents and alcohol abuse, according to a new study.
—Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Today, what was once the cultural and financial hub of the enclave, lies in lawless ruins, devastated by months of a brutal Israeli assault triggered by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel almost two years ago.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
The last thing law enforcement should be doing is engaging in actions that create a more lawless society.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawless
Adjective
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Britain's biggest anti-immigrant political party, Reform UK, which has topped opinion polls in recent months, has kept its distance from Robinson, who has several criminal convictions.—
Vitalii Yalahuzian,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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At least 25 people were arrested in offenses including violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage, and the investigation continues, police said.—
BRIAN MELLEY,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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In November, jurors convicted Martinez of unlawful compensation and a related conspiracy charge.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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The world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice, has ruled that there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and that Israel’s occupation and apartheid against Palestinians are unlawful.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The third book in the Luna Sisters series follows the journey to love for the youngest and most rebellious Luna sister, Gabriela.—
Mia Sosa,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (McGraw) is now 14, a rebellious teenager living under Gemma’s overprotective rules.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For two decades, the regimes of Hugo Chávez and Maduro have tied the state to illicit economies —granting officers, loyalists, and gangs access to oil, smuggling routes and drug profits.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
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In a lawsuit filed in California District Court on Thursday, the FTC accuses the companies of multiple forms of illicit behavior.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There are not many taboos at Burning Man, so those that persist at the otherwise staunchly anarchic event do so for a reason.—
Denver Nicks,
Rolling Stone,
14 Sep. 2025
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Reiner could be called a journeyman director, except what kind of journeyman director could make a movie as confident as When Harry Met Sally, or as anarchic as This Is Spinal Tap, or one that juggles as many tones as The Princess Bride?—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Finley faces charges of murder and felonious assault.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Sep. 2025
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One man involved is both considered a victim of felonious assault and has been charged with disorderly conduct.—
Kevin Grasha,
The Enquirer,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
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She was charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly intoxication.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lawless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawless. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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