Synonyms of restive

restive

adjective

ˈre-stiv 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn
• unruly
• willful
• recalcitrant
• obstreperous
• ungovernable
• contrary
• wayward
• intractable
• rigid
• disobedient
• mischievous
• dogged
• balky
• contumacious
• refractory
• insubordinate
• naughty
• dissident
• adamant
• wild
• insurgent
• unrelenting
• froward
• recusant
• untoward
• uncontrollable
• mutinous
• uncooperative
• resistant
• incompliant
• fractious
• rude
• obstinate
• bad
• peevish
• obdurate
• implacable
• headstrong
• opinionated
• unmanageable
• negativistic
• uncompromising
• noncooperative
• unbending
• monkeying
• mulish
• immovable
• pertinacious
• unyielding
• inflexible
• undisciplined
• disorderly
• hardheaded
• adamantine
• insolent
• ornery
• wrongheaded
• perverse
• impudent
• pigheaded
• self-willed
• errant
• uncouth
• disrespectful
• ungracious
• inconsiderate
• nonconformist
• uncivil
• unmannerly
• discourteous
• impertinent
• misbehaving
• impolite
• ill-natured
• ill-mannered
• monkeyish
• ill-bred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• docile
• obedient
• submissive
• tractable
• cooperative
• amiable
• compliant
• amenable
• acquiescent
• agreeable
• conformable
• deferential
• biddable
• yielding
• behaved
• disciplined
• obliging
• respectful
• polite
• well-bred
• servile
• ruly
• courteous
• obsequious
• orderly
• subservient
• slavish
• proper
• decorous
• manageable
• controllable
• mannerly
• trainable
• governable
• kowtowing

2

as in restless

lacking or denying rest

spent a restive night worrying about the next day's exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restless
• uneasy
• troubled
• unquiet
• unrestful
• anxious
• unsettled
• agitated
• disturbed
• perturbed
• distressed
• fidgety
• tense
• upset
• nervous
• worried
• uptight
• jittery
• jumpy
• edgy
• nervy
• dithery
• het up
• aflutter
• hung up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• quiet
• calm
• peaceful
• easy
• restful
• tranquil
• relaxing

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective restive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restive are balky, contrary, perverse, and wayward. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

When would balky be a good substitute for restive?

The synonyms balky and restive are sometimes interchangeable, but balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When can contrary be used instead of restive?

Although the words contrary and restive have much in common, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

When is perverse a more appropriate choice than restive?

In some situations, the words perverse and restive are roughly equivalent. However, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

When could wayward be used to replace restive?

While the synonyms wayward and restive are close in meaning, wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Example Sentences

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

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