Definitions

lawless

[law-lis] / ˈlɔ lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

reckless, ungoverned

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anarchic barbarous chaotic turbulent unruly violent

WEAK

anarchical anarchistic bad contumacious criminal despotic disobedient disordered disorderly evil fierce heterodox infringing insubordinate insurgent mutinous nihilistic noncompliant nonconformist piratical rebellious recusant revolutionary riotous savage seditious tempestuous terrorizing traitorous tyrannous uncivilized uncultivated unorthodox unpeaceful unrestrained untamed warlike wild

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm mild moderate obedient

WEAK

governed lawful legal legitimate licit proper rightful valid

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lydia Lawless, from School Aycliffe in County Durham, saw a tiny library in Manchester when she was five and her next birthday wish was to own one.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Regina Lawless Toney left a six-figure job heading DEI efforts at Instagram in 2023 to start a consulting and coaching business for Black professional women.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Saugus 10, San Marcos 8: JD Lawless and Kaden Haag each had two hits for Saugus.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

That uncertainty also extends to her and the president's record, which Lawless said they have "not been able to communicate adequately to the American people."

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2024

“Y’all, I got a very special guest in the house. If you know anything ’bout me, you know one of my favorite rappers of all time is Lawless, rest in peace to my brother.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing lawless

Fear and Loathing in Cleveland: Trump's RNC Acceptance Speech

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Way Off: Synonyms for "Wrong"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Wrong

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!