1
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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Recent Examples of lawless
William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
What's harder for the senators to see is how consumers will be protected in such a seemingly lawless realm.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
Mohamad, a displaced father in Gaza City, described a lawless society where Hamas fighters only appear when releasing hostages or suppressing dissent.
—Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
But the spirit of mob procedure seemed to have fastened itself upon the lawless classes, and the grim process that at first was invoked to declare justice was made the excuse to wreak vengeance and cover crime.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Adjective
The Department of Homeland Security's lawless decision to arrest him solely because of his peaceful anti-genocide activism represents a blatant attack on the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech, immigration laws, and the very humanity of Palestinians.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
What's harder for the senators to see is how consumers will be protected in such a seemingly lawless realm.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
Mohamad, a displaced father in Gaza City, described a lawless society where Hamas fighters only appear when releasing hostages or suppressing dissent.
—Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
But the spirit of mob procedure seemed to have fastened itself upon the lawless classes, and the grim process that at first was invoked to declare justice was made the excuse to wreak vengeance and cover crime.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawless
Adjective
-
The criminal search warrant centered on Old McDonald's Farm, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to NPR.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Jorge Saldana-Gonzalez, 44, was arrested on a murder charge following the Saturday, April 5, shooting at Sandra’s Bar, on Alamo’s east side, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hidalgo County.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 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
-
Review: 'The White Lotus' Season 3 is on the edge of anarchy Anitta's viewing taste for the silver screen provides similar food for thought.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Realism starts with the assumption that in world politics, anarchy reigns: no ultimate authority can settle disputes or guarantee restraint.—
Jonathan Kirshner,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station watch commander informed the Times no crime had taken place at the residence.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
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Pattinson will also soon star in Lynne Ramsay's Die, My Love alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Nick Nolte, and he's slated to headline Lance Oppenheim's crime thriller Primetime with Phoebe Bridgers.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The lawsuit will argue that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
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The suit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president increased powers during an economic emergency, to impose tariffs is unlawful and requires congressional approval.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Part of the problem is that, in the Brazilian legislature, corruption and criminality are so endemic as to be inextricable from the job of governance.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to a level of violence and criminality that reflects Russia’s utter contempt for the laws of armed conflict.—
The Editors,
National Review,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Nazanin Lankarani,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The proximity, combined with the abundance of recreational boats, makes illicit travel hard to detect, Brown explained.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Drug overdoses have plagued California, as fentanyl — a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than heroin — is often mixed in with other illicit street drugs.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lawless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawless. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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