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 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

According to station accounts, Choi sometimes stayed on air for more than 20 hours a day during the height of 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 could not be oblivious to the unrest around them, but his sister always believed in putting on the brave show.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

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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