restorative

1 of 2

adjective

re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstȯr-ə-tiv 

: of or relating to restoration

especially : having power to restore

restorative sleep

restorative

2 of 2

noun

: something that serves to restore to consciousness, vigor, or health

Synonyms of restorative

Adjective

• healthy
• medicinal
• good
• healthful

Examples of restorative in a Sentence

Adjective

the restorative powers of rest

took a restorative vitamin mix to improve his immune system

Noun

Sleep is a powerful restorative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The long reach Optogenetic stimulation of the Sst-Chodl cells in the visual cortex drove delta power—the slowest, highest-amplitude brain waves measured during deep, restorative sleep—up across every layer. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

New yellows move between musky and citrusy, while additions to the cooler end of the spectrum include restorative greens, meditative blues and purples ranging from dusky to glamorous. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

The Sanctuary Beach Resort, a 60-room beachfront getaway set along 19 acres of natural sand dunes and California coastline along the Monterey Peninsula, outside San Francisco, is a perfect restorative. — Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

By many accounts, those traits were honed by his response to that dispiriting benching in the 2018 national title game and a restorative, affirming Southeastern Conference championship victory that Hurts rescued for Alabama 11 months later. — Jeré Longman, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English restauratif, restoratif "capable of restoring health," borrowed from Anglo-French restauratif, borrowed from Medieval Latin restaurātīvus, from Latin restaurātus, past participle of restaurāre "to return to its former condition, restore" + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English restauratif, noun derivative of restauratif, restoratif restorative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for restorative

• explorative
• pejorative

Kids Definition

restorative

1 of 2 adjective

re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstōr-ət-iv 

-ˈstȯr-

: of or relating to restoration

especially : having power to restore

the restorative value of food and rest

restorative

2 of 2 noun

: something that serves to restore to consciousness or health

Medical Definition

restorative

1 of 2 adjective

re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstōr-ət-iv, -ˈstȯr- 

: of, relating to, or providing restoration

restorative treatment

restorative dentistry

restorative

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a medicine) that serves to restore to consciousness, vigor, or health