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.

Sunday's unrest continued throughout the day, the reporters said.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Paz's government accuses him of instigating the unrest.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Paz's government accuses Morales, who attempted a comeback last year despite being wanted on charges of trafficking a minor, of fomenting the current unrest.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Inflated dealer inventories, labor unrest, management turnover, rising quality costs, tariffs, and other issues weighed on profitability.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

He sensed in the spreading unrest something unprecedented, “more threatening and far-reaching than anything that had occurred before.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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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