restiveness

noun

Definition of restivenessnext
1
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
2
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
  1. turmoil
  2. unease
  3. unrest
  4. anxiety
  5. worry
  6. tension
  7. nerves
  8. jumpiness
Noun
  • During a 2023 reunion episode of the TLC reality show, Janelle expressed her inner turmoil regarding her views on her union with Kody.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The turmoil after the removal of former prime minister Imran through a vote of no confidence in April 2022 reverberated through the corridors of power at the PCB.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • But there’s more than gags here; the episode also delves into the gang’s unease with their changing lives, as well as the reservations everyone but Ted seems to have about his engagement to Stella (Sarah Chalke).
    — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • But Susser said the unease might also reflect that society hasn’t quite established clear norms around AI use.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Denis, who goes by Jan Mapou after his store, Libreri Mapou, has long been a fixture in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a refuge since the 1970s for Haitians fleeing dictators and political unrest.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Columbia, which doesn’t have its own police force, handled the unrest by shutting, reopening, and resealing its borders, confusing even itself.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • Now, as my anxiety climbed, the smell was becoming inseparable from the fear.
    — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After years of stomach-gurgling, nail-chewing anxiety, this was an entirely different Arsenal experience.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • In recent weeks, family members of Lincoln service members voiced worries about deteriorating mental health conditions aboard the ship, as well as sanitary conditions and food shortages.
    — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That reflects how the world's second-largest economy remains insulated from global capital markets — and faces a deflationary environment, in contrast to inflation worries elsewhere.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • Although much of the media attention on Harry and Meghan has focused on family tensions and recriminations in recent years, Owens suggested that the story may now shift to the royal’s efforts to rebuild family harmony.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The visit followed weeks of negotiations about security and accommodations, which hinted at ongoing tensions.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Now, the difference between my process and a lot of Simon’s process is meant to get rid of his nerves.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Valkyries played the first half like a team shackled by nerves.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

restive
restiveness
restless
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Cite this Entry

“Restiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restiveness. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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