1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward
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2
as in restless
lacking or denying rest
spent a restive night worrying about the next day's exam
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Recent Examples of restive
Demonstrators took to the streets in Zahedan in Iran’s restive Sistan and Baluchestan province on the border with Pakistan.
—
Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
The 36-year-old New Yorker positions herself as a fighter against the political establishment — a potentially potent appeal in a restive nation, especially to younger voters.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
For example, teachers who are trained in basic school wellness could bring a few moments of mindfulness to a restive classroom, help an uncertain student choose an appealing form of physical activity, or participate with them in comprehensive nutrition education.
—Dr. James S. Gordon, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Mexican authorities on Sunday said at least five people died and three more were injured after a car exploded near a police station in the restive western state of Michoacan.
—CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
The 36-year-old New Yorker positions herself as a fighter against the political establishment — a potentially potent appeal in a restive nation, especially to younger voters.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
For example, teachers who are trained in basic school wellness could bring a few moments of mindfulness to a restive classroom, help an uncertain student choose an appealing form of physical activity, or participate with them in comprehensive nutrition education.
—Dr. James S. Gordon, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Mexican authorities on Sunday said at least five people died and three more were injured after a car exploded near a police station in the restive western state of Michoacan.
—CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restive
Adjective
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This rebellious attitude defines the world she’s built, and it’s reflected in the girl who wears it.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
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That trombone of yours, with its rebellious and unique sound, forever changed the history of our Latin music.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Stella’s restless energy in wanting to fix things spurs her to arrange an impromptu trip for them to Amsterdam.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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But Weir appeared to roll with it, and the idea of writing new material with Furthur — his and Lesh’s project, without Hart or Kreutzmann, who weren’t invited — appealed to his restless creativity.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Former president Joseph Kabila, Gertler’s friend and best contact, was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025, after allying himself with the rebel side.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
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To give voice to Congolese citizens, Anderson spoke with figures ranging from rebel leaders to medical personnel, from a regional king to an elderly woman tending subsistence crops in a cemetery.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In those early days, Zelensky’s uncanny capacity for survival and humor encapsulated the defiant mood of the country.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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As the last survivor of the Block 42 resisters, Tanimoto has kept awareness of that complicated, defiant chapter of Japanese American history alive by sharing his story, including at a Day of Remembrance event taking place at noon Saturday at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Here are a few extra tips to get an even deeper clean on your window and door tracks, or how to tackle stubborn mold spots that won't go away.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
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From eliminating multi-hour furnace cycles in glass manufacturing to reengineering how poorly soluble drugs dissolve in the body, Leonard Siebert is applying materials science to two of engineering’s most stubborn bottlenecks.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restive. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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