How to pronounce anarchy
Say it like AN-er-kee. Anarchy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anarchy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AN
- er
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anarchy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- keeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of anarchy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AN-uh-kee.
What does anarchy mean?
- a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying anarchy
How do you pronounce anarchy?
Say AN-er-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈænɚˌki/. In British English it is /ˈænəki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anarchy?
Anarchy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN). Broken into parts: AN · er · kee.
Is anarchy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈænəki/ (AN-uh-kee).