as in chaos
a state in which there is widespread wrongdoing and disregard for rules and authority
the anarchy that the country experienced after the dictator drained the treasury and fled the country
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Recent Examples of anarchy
Our founders believed there were two threats to our republic, tyranny and anarchy.
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The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 2024
The whiff of populist anarchy in the air is salty, unprecedented, and notably across the aisle.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse plunged the country into anarchy, mainstream news outlets and social media have portrayed Chérizier as a kind of arch-villain.
—Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
Not all at once, but over time, that order will devolve to entropy as the international system reverts to its natural state, which is anarchy.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for anarchy 
The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 2024
The whiff of populist anarchy in the air is salty, unprecedented, and notably across the aisle.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse plunged the country into anarchy, mainstream news outlets and social media have portrayed Chérizier as a kind of arch-villain.
—Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
Not all at once, but over time, that order will devolve to entropy as the international system reverts to its natural state, which is anarchy.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for anarchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anarchy
Noun
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In many cases, pet dogs, cats and other animals have been lost in the chaos or were left behind during evacuations.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
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The answer gets tricky Jan. 10, 2025 Friday’s developments added to the sense of chaos surrounding the devastating wildfires, which have destroyed portions of Pacific Palisades and Malibu as well as Altadena, an unincorporated area outside the city of Los Angeles, killing at least 13 people.David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Social unrest will become more frequent, with mass protests and political instability becoming the norm in affected regions.Amir Husain, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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The reason the internet satellite service became so popular after the women's rights protests began in 2022 is because access to Instagram and WhatsApp was restricted due to widespread civil unrest.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Adding to the turmoil, Trudeau announced earlier this week his intention to step down as prime minister, further complicating Canada's position in the face of U.S. pressure.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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Shin Yul, a Myongji University professor who has followed the political turmoil, said police had lots of experience with the tactical operations that were likely being considered.Jack Kim and Ju-min Park, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Nobody can disaggregate the effects of international policies from the impact of the Taliban’s awful misrule.Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
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Hezbollah shares its chronic corruption and misrule with the other militias turned parties that have hollowed out the postwar Lebanese state.Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near anarchy
Cite this Entry
“Anarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anarchy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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