RESTIVENESS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

restiveness

noun

Definition of restiveness

as in turmoil

a disturbed or uneasy state the nighttime tornado warnings were the likely source of the restiveness that could be felt all over town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unease

a state of nervousness marked by sudden jerky movements I sensed that his restiveness at breakfast probably had something to do with the big presentation he would be making at the sales conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of restiveness Even from the start, flickers of restiveness appear. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 Now as then, insecurity at Nigerian schools in the north is occurring in the context of a broad rash of violence across the country, from farmer-herder conflicts in the east and central regions, armed banditry attacks in the northwest, and youth restiveness in the south. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restiveness

Noun

The estate has been in turmoil since Michael’s death on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50.

— Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Interconnected supply chains, geopolitical turmoil and inflation, AI’s impact on jobs, and climate change’s ripple effects on global consumption patterns are collectively scuppering the tried-and-tested playbook.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of turmoil

Noun

Le Pen, meanwhile, has sought to harness unease over the demonstrations.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
California Democrats have been unable, so far, to solve homelessness or rising housing prices, Newton said, and there is unease about whether the policies that have gotten California to this point can move the state forward.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of unease

Noun

But the demonstrations have also sparked a political clash, with conservative opposition leaders accusing Sánchez's government of exploiting the unrest for electoral gain, according to the BBC.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
But political unrest in the region prompted his parents to send him and his older brother unaccompanied to live with an aunt and uncle in Tacoma, Washington, Huang has explained in multiple interviews and speeches.

— Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of unrest

Noun

America in 2026 is not Nazi Germany, but events from 88 years ago still overshadow the thinking and anxiety of millions of Jews.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Advertisement Even reading this suggestion to consider being more open-minded may increase your anxiety and create tension in your body.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

Amid ongoing tensions, Gallucci and the band parted ways in 2016, and Cold War Kids settled into their most stable lineup with Willett, Maust, Plummer, keyboardist Matthew Schwartz and guitarist David Quon, a fellow Biola alum.

— Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
The realization settled in for Republicans on Tuesday, when tensions flared over reelecting Senate GOP Leader John Thune (R-SD) and the rest of his leadership team over whether more time should be given to process the party’s election shellacking.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

Depending on what’s pressing on the nerve, a surgeon can remove the piece of herniated disc causing the problem or create more room for the nerves.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
Initial nerves about working with some of her industry idols were helped along when McDonagh suggested the cast do some rehearsal in a public theater.

— Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of nerves

Noun

Market jumpiness can serve as a good moment for those nearing the end of their career to make sure their nest egg is prepared for a downturn, Benz said.

— Annie Nova,Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted these state indexes have a history of statistical jumpiness.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

Definition of jumpiness

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restive

restiveness

restless

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“Restiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restiveness. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of restiveness

noun

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