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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Recent Examples of unrest
The exhibition, in a city where months of unrest followed the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson, became a local flashpoint that made national headlines.
—
Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
At least 518 people died in Tanzanian election violence last year, the first official death toll since the October unrest shows.
—Peter Martin, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Originally delayed earlier this year, reportedly amid staff unrest, and later postponed until after the French municipal elections, the jury tasked with selecting the architects for the Louvre Museum renovation is now set to convene in mid-May, Le Figaro reports.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Amid the unrest, the mine shut down.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrest
Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
At least 518 people died in Tanzanian election violence last year, the first official death toll since the October unrest shows.
—Peter Martin, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Originally delayed earlier this year, reportedly amid staff unrest, and later postponed until after the French municipal elections, the jury tasked with selecting the architects for the Louvre Museum renovation is now set to convene in mid-May, Le Figaro reports.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Amid the unrest, the mine shut down.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrest
turmoil
Noun
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The bloc has been forging new trade relationships, like an expansive trade agreement with the European Union, in the wake of the tariff turmoil that has seen many of America’s closest trade ties unravel.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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On the surface, Middle of Nowhere outlines the turmoil before and after an ex’s disappearing act.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrest. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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