Lawless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈlȯ-ləs/ law·less

Meaning & Definition of Lawless

Lawless (adjective)

  1. not regulated by or based on law
  2. not restrained or controlled by law, unruly
  3. illegal

Lawless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not restrained by or under the control of legal authority

    "the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight"

    similar: anarchic, disorderly, lawbreaking, unruly
    related: defiant, insubordinate, mutinous, rebellious, refractory, riotous, undisciplined, criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful, disobedient, froward, intractable, recalcitrant
    opposite: law-abiding, orderly
    near: lawful, legal, legalized, legitimate, amenable, compliant, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable

  2. 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"

    similar: criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful
    related: bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, adulterine, bootleg, unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned, under-the-counter, under-the-table, corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous
    opposite: lawful, legal, legitimate
    near: ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous, allowed, permitted, authorized, licensed, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported, correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lawless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Lawless:

anarchic, disorderly, lawbreaking, unruly, criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Lawless

Words with the opposite meaning of Lawless:

law-abiding, orderly, lawful, legal, legitimate

Related Words for Lawless

defiant, insubordinate, mutinous, rebellious, refractory, riotous, undisciplined, disobedient, froward, intractable, recalcitrant, bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden

Near Antonyms of Lawless

legalized, amenable, compliant, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable, ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous, allowed, permitted, authorized, licensed, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported, correct, decent, decorous, proper

Word Forms of Lawless

Derived words: lawlessly (adverb), lawlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Lawless

First known use: 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Lawless

What does "Lawless" mean?

"Lawless" means not regulated by or based on law. As an adjective, it is defined as: not regulated by or based on law. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Lawless"?

Other words for "Lawless" include anarchic, disorderly, lawbreaking, unruly, criminal, felonious, illegal and illegitimate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lawless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Lawless"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lawless". Common alternatives include anarchic, disorderly, lawbreaking, unruly, criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, illicit and unlawful.

What is the opposite of "Lawless"?

Antonyms of "Lawless" include law-abiding, orderly, lawful, legal and legitimate. Near antonyms include legalized, amenable, compliant and docile.

How do you use "Lawless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Lawless" in a sentence: "the lawless rioters were destroying everything in sight"; "the level of lawless activity in the territory had reached the point where the authorities felt compelled to act".

Is "Lawless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lawless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Lawless"?

"Lawless" is pronounced /ˈlȯ-ləs/ and divided into syllables as law·less.

What is the origin of the word "Lawless"?

First known use: 12th century.