as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
some sociologists specialize in studying the lawbreaking elements of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
even something as simple as littering is considered an example of lawbreaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in criminality
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
an outbreak of lawbreaking plagued the city in the months following the end of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawbreaking
Adjective
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When Natalia Grace was adopted from Ukraine into the Barnett family as a six-year-old child, no one could have foreseen that the situation would devolve into something that spurred court battles, criminal charges, and multiple documentaries and shows.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
19 Mar. 2025 -
Among the many requirements are extensive criminal background checks, compliance, training, approval of employees, attendance at meetings, logging activity and cooperating with local law enforcement.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Karma revolves around a fateful accident, which intertwines six lives in a tale of karma and crime, where each must face their own dark truths and connections.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The State Department also utilizes the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a private partner, that contributes local perspectives on criminality and helps the government make travel advisory decisions.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
Fox News,
17 Mar. 2025
-
According to investigators from Canada and the U.S., there is no sign of criminality in the case, but the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey’s disappearance and death remain unknown.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Stefani’s style influences and stage presence have long catered to a rebellious punk-forward aesthetic.—
WWD Staff,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Still retaining the playful, rebellious connotations of the first M.A.D. Editions, the new M.A.D. 2 has another spirit. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Roberta Naas,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
Noun
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State investigators found numerous violations there, including a rat infestation, medications not being properly administered, inoperable emergency pull cords in some bedrooms and neglected residents.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Labor unions representing university professors on Wednesday filed a lawsuit claiming the detentions of noncitizen students and faculty is a violation of the First Amendment, as is the threat to remove Columbia University's $400 million in federal funds if the university did not make changes.—
Caroline Linton,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Bark app monitors the network of school district computers and scans for illicit content being downloaded or shared, the charging document reads.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
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According to the government, Avenatti had threatened to publicize allegations about the shoe company making illicit payments to top college basketball recruits.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Landing in the bottom are Henry (for the sin of a spongy scallion pancake), Paula (for texture issues), and Bailey (for the aforementioned Pile of Stuff).—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2025
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But the occasional poach is perhaps no great sin, more akin to driving over the speed limit than, say, starting a forest fire.—
Mark Sundeen,
Outside Online,
19 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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