lawbreaker

noun

law·​break·​er ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
Synonyms of lawbreakernext
: a person who violates the law
lawbreaking
ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
adjective or noun

Synonyms of lawbreaker

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Examples of lawbreaker in a Sentence

He admitted to being a lawbreaker. legislation that mandates lengthy prison sentences for chronic lawbreakers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three determined lawbreakers plot one last spree. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026 As politicians in both parties warned that lawbreakers in the crowd would pay, Webster suppressed a pang of fear. — Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 Bondi met in Washington with the lawbreaker and his fiancé a few days later. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026 Rollins is running for a job in justice, ostensibly to uphold the law and hold lawbreakers accountable. — Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawbreaker

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lawbreaker was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lawbreaker

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Browse Nearby Words

law-borrow
lawbreaker
lawbreaking
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Cite this Entry

“Lawbreaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawbreaker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lawbreaker

noun
law·​break·​er ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
: a person who breaks the law
lawbreaking
-kiŋ How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lawbreaker

Nglish: Translation of lawbreaker for Spanish Speakers

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