UNREST Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

unrest

noun

ˌən-ˈrest

Definition of unrest

as in turmoil

a disturbed or uneasy state unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment his stomach unrest was just a sign of stage fright

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of unrest In July 2025, the first seeds of unrest had been sown by then head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who was vocally unhappy about how quickly Forest’s transfer recruitment activity was moving and with changes made to the hierarchy. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 28 July 2026 In each case, a single incident acted not as the sole cause of the unrest, but as the spark that brought existing grievances into the open. — Šumit Ganguly, NPR, 27 July 2026 When the government raised fuel prices by 50% in 2019, nationwide protests quickly escalated into broader anti-government unrest and were met with a sweeping security crackdown and an internet blackout. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026 The recent unrest – which is casting doubt over local elections that begin Monday – complicates that story. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrest

turmoil

Noun

With even the trial date itself in dispute and Gulf sovereign funds backing much of the equity amid regional turmoil, the Ellisons may have won the bidding war only to inherit a much costlier fight.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
The waltz seemed to leave his heart in turmoil without lifting his spirits.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026