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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Steve Bannon has discussed with New York state prosecutors a potential plea deal in its criminal case charging the longtime ally of President Donald Trump with defrauding donors to a southern border wall, according to media reports.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025 -
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, has accepted almost $300,000 to support his criminal defense.—
Jessica Botelho,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The institute maintains a massive database of education statistics and contracts with scientists and education companies to compile and make data public about schools each year, such as information about school crime and safety and high school science course completion.—
Jodi S. Cohen,
ProPublica,
11 Feb. 2025
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Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes, not state offenses.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In turn, episodes of fraud and misconduct in small local governments don’t always surface publicly unless criminal charges are filed – and problems short of criminality may be kept quiet.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
16 Jan. 2025
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The department has since played the role of overseer in the investigation, and reserves the right to take over again in the event of potential criminality.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The wildly rebellious press across Europe are a vibrant sign of its free speech.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
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Luna will meet with rebellious Uranus in a surprising trine, bringing a jolt of excitement and unexpected revelations to your love life.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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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
Noun
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On each occasion the violations again ranged from basic to high priority.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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His son, Shaw, joined other fire victims in filing a lawsuit last month against Southern California Edison, accusing the utility of negligence, violation of health and safety codes and not maintaining its vegetation and equipment.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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At first, the illicit supply would also ship directly from China to the US, but it’s evolved into disparate streams.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
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Footage showed authorities removing the illicit items from his pockets following the apprehension.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
Fox News,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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If those are the heights, imagine the depths of condemnation such a player faces if for the sin of failing to measure up.—
Phil Thompson,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
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Emilia Pérez’s sins of misrepresentation were legion.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
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Thesaurus Entries Near lawbreaking
Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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