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

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

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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 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

When the eldest son was gone Wang Lung felt the house was purged of some surcharge of unrest and it was a relief to him.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

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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