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
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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
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawlessness
Noun
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To sustain the campaign’s military achievements for the long term and prevent secured areas from falling into Hamas’s hands, anarchy or insurgency, the plan assumed that an alternative governance structure to Hamas would emerge in areas where the organization was defeated.—
Assaf Orion,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025 -
Hulls acknowledges the parallels with her experience covering an event like CHOP, which is now described in the consensus discourse as an event where Seattle descended into chaos and anarchy, rather than a demonstration of solidarity around social justice.—
Rob Salkowitz,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Release date: Friday, June 20 Cast: Guy Pearce, Cosmo Jarvis, Vincent Miller, Toby Wallace Director-screenwriter: Charles Williams 1 hour 43 minutes Inside is not the usual story of damnation or redemption, of the unbreakable cycles of crime or even the virtues of rehabilitation, like Sing Sing.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
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That's a crime, and that the Trump administration is not going to tolerate.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
9 June 2025
Noun
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The wide availability of weapons, the use of drugs, and the developing criminal justice system all contribute to the high level of criminality in the country.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
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The movie exploited the loosening codes of the time, to make for a more frank depiction of urban criminality.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
31 May 2025
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“Lawlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawlessness. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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