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noun Uncommon

anarchy

AN-uh-kee
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Anarchy (noun) means a state in which there is no government or ruling authority. Example: “The country descended into anarchy after the president fled.”

noun
1
A state in which there is no government or ruling authority.
"The country descended into anarchy after the president fled."
2
General chaos and disorder, without any organizing authority.
"The classroom fell into anarchy the moment the teacher left."
"Without a schedule, the project quickly turned into anarchy."
"Total anarchy broke out in the kitchen when the lights went out during dinner service."

How to use anarchy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA total absence of government or order — either as a political idea or as plain chaos.

Common pairings
a state of anarchy descend into anarchy total anarchy
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Word forms

Plural
anarchies
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The country descended into _____ after the president fled.

Etymology

From Greek anarkhia, built from an- ("without") plus arkhe ("rule" or "authority").

Origin: Greek

Antonyms

nonanarchy antonym(s) of order

Related words

Rhymes for anarchy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “anarchy” mean?
The word “anarchy” means a state in which there is no government or ruling authority. In plain terms, a total absence of government or order — either as a political idea or as plain chaos.
How do you pronounce “anarchy”?
“Anarchy” is pronounced AN-uh-kee (/ˈæn.ɚ.ki/ in IPA).
How do you use “anarchy” in a sentence?
Here is “anarchy” used in a sentence: “The country descended into anarchy after the president fled.”
What is another word for “anarchy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “anarchy” include disorder.
What is the opposite of “anarchy”?
The opposite of “anarchy” — its antonyms — are nonanarchy, antonym(s) of and order.
What part of speech is “anarchy”?
“Anarchy” is a noun.
Where does the word “anarchy” come from?
The word “anarchy” comes from Greek. From Greek anarkhia, built from an- ("without") plus arkhe ("rule" or "authority").
Is “anarchy” a common word?
“Anarchy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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