Meaning & use

anarchy

noun·Academic

A state of disorder resulting from the absence or breakdown of government and authority.

See it in a sentence

The city descended into anarchy after the police force abandoned its posts during the riots.

Without any rules enforced, the classroom quickly slid into anarchy.

A note on using this word

Anarchy describes a literal absence of governing authority, but is also used loosely and informally for any chaotic, uncontrolled situation.

Words with a similar meaning

chaoslawlessnessdisorder

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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