Synonyms

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

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.

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

Due to its liberating and anarchic nature, there is a consensus that Burning Man symbolizes the legacy of the socially libertarian spirit of the 1960s counterculture.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2025

Its longstanding arts scene and anarchic energy feed into avant-garde pop-up art exhibitions, Yiddish open mic nights and dance parties.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

It's an anarchic song, full of two-bar guitar solos and ostentatious drum fills.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

Funny how Kelton knows everything about this anarchic world, but it feels like Jacqui’s already lived it.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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