unrest

noun

un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
Synonyms of unrest
: a disturbed, uneasy, or turbulent state : turmoil
The country has experienced years of civil/social/political unrest.

Synonyms of unrest

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Examples of unrest in a Sentence

The country has experienced years of civil unrest. unrest gripped the city as the people nervously awaited the expected bombardment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amid the social unrest gripping France, the fates of Valjean, Cosette, her lover Marius, and Javert become entangled in the turbulent, revolutionary streets of Paris. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 The unrest culminated in the arrest or killing of dozens of soldiers, some of whom were paraded in front of the cameras live on state television. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Iran is determined to smother any internal unrest Rezaei’s appointment came in a recent set of decrees by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, that formally set Iran’s new senior leadership, including top military posts. — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 The unrest comes as authorities tighten control over its uranium sector, having seized ⁠assets from ​France’s Orano. — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrest

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrest was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unrest

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Browse Nearby Words

unresponsive
unrest
unrested
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Cite this Entry

“Unrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrest. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unrest

noun
un·​rest ˌən-ˈrest How to pronounce unrest (audio)
ˈən-
: lack of rest : a disturbed or uneasy state : turmoil
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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