unrest

[uhn-rest] / ʌnˈrɛst /

NOUN

state of agitation; disturbance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anarchy anxiety confusion controversy crisis discontent discord dissension insurrection protest rebellion strife tension trouble tumult turmoil uproar

STRONG

altercation annoyance bickering bother chagrin change contention debate disaffection disease disquiet dissatisfaction distress dither ennui grief irritation malaise moodiness mortification perplexity perturbation quarrel restlessness sedition sorrow tizzy unease uneasiness upset vexation worry

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement approval calm calmness composure contentedness contentment ease happiness harmony order peace

STRONG

comfort delight health joy pleasure

WEAK

rest

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.

Belfast steeled itself Wednesday for a second night of violence directed at immigrants in Northern Ireland, unrest that authorities say is being stoked by far-right activists on social media.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

“The ingredients of civil unrest are there,” said Helou, the former Lebanese general.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Yong-ho Kim started working in Radio Korea’s advertising department a month after immigrating to the United States in February 1990, two years before the unrest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

There had been unrest at the location during an initial protest in late May against preparatory onsite work during installation of barbed wire to cordon off the area.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

She would experience harmony of being in the midst of the changes and unrest that life inevitably brings.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Vocabulary lists containing unrest

Lesson 4

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for March 25–March 31, 2023

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for November 26–December 2, 2022

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!