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 Many have targeted dissidents or journalists whom the regime accuses of aiding its enemies and fomenting unrest in Iran. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 The government raised the increment from 5 percent following labor unrest and said the higher rate would continue until it was revalued or superseded by a new minimum wage. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Denis, who goes by Jan Mapou after his store, Libreri Mapou, has long been a fixture in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a refuge since the 1970s for Haitians fleeing dictators and political unrest. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 England won the five-match series 4–1, but the win was clouded by injuries to Australian batters, tensions between the teams, rising crowd unrest that almost led to riots, and strained diplomatic relations between Australia and England. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrest

turmoil

Noun

Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.

— Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Despite the recent turmoil, shares are up around 14% in 2026.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026