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.

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

Hyepin Im was a graduate student at USC during the unrest in 1992.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The family later condemned the disorder, with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones saying they had told her they did not support protests or unrest.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

In the back of their minds, I know they hoped the unrest in Iran would settle down, and we might be able to return to the country before our US visitor's visas expired.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing unrest

Lesson 4

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

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