Definitions

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.

After two nights of unrest, pockets of protests held in some areas of Northern Ireland have passed off without incident following a "robust" police response.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The unrest happened around Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, where the Knicks basketball game was played to a sellout crowd that included US megastar Taylor Swift.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

On Thursday, a senior police officer said there was no evidence loyalist paramilitaries were co-ordinating the unrest.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The unrest was initially fueled by false social-media posts that said the teen was an asylum seeker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

It’s not safe enough for us to travel on the river until the unrest has died down, 50 our only choice is to continue to the release site.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

Vocabulary lists containing unrest

Lesson 4

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