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.

Concerns were rising that the opening match in Mexico City on Thursday could be disrupted by social unrest.

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

For Choi, Koreatown is inseparable from Radio Korea and the station’s role during the unrest, which pushed many Korean immigrants to engage more deeply with American civic and political life.

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

The unrest in Little Rock and the bounty on our heads had by that time forced two of our seven families to move their homes away from that city forever.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Vocabulary lists containing unrest

Lesson 4

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

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

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