anarchic

American

[an-ahr-kik] / ænˈɑr kɪk /

Also anarchical

adjective

of, like, or tending to anarchy.
advocating anarchy.
not regulated by law; lawless.

Anarchic bands pillaged the countryside.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of anarchic

First recorded in 1780–90; either from French anarchique or anarch(y) + -ic

Explanation

Something that's anarchic is out of control or extremely disorganized. An anarchic classroom has no rules — it most likely has no teacher, either. Wars and political conflicts are frequently described as anarchic, particularly if they appear to be lawless and chaotic. Any situation that's lacking structure or rules can be called anarchic, like a wild, sugar-fueled birthday party or an anarchic swarm of gulls attacking a plate of French fries on a picnic table. The Greek root word is anarkhos, "without head or chief."

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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.

Instead, he has blamed "infiltrators" or "anarchic forces" for igniting violence -- without giving further details.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The vibe is exuberant and anarchic and very much in tempo with the joy-craving fatalism of today.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

Birmingham-based entertainment shows included darts-based gameshow Bullseye, Spitting Image, Telly Addicts and anarchic children's show Tiswas.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

The 7-time national championship winner observed college football’s anarchic new landscape a few years ago and said: You know what sounds fun?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

High school is neither a democracy nor a dictatorship—nor, contrary to popular belief, an anarchic state.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023