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noun Uncommon

anarchy

AN-uh-kee

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."

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

Word forms

anarchies plural

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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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