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
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Recent Examples of restiveness
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
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restiveness
Noun
-
Chinese companies aren’t retreating from the Arabian Gulf despite turmoil in the region, according to one of the world’s top management consultants.—
Bloomberg,
Bloomberg,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest actress Hüller, currently on screens opposite Ryan Gosling in box office hit Project Hail Mary, plays a mysterious soldier who appears in a secluded Protestant village amidst the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is a novel about Jewish bodies and how people respond to them, the toll of obsession, and the conflicting currents of desire and unease that shake and startle a deep romantic fixation.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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The all-female directing team (led by producing director Weronika Tofilska, who helms half the season) take evident pleasure in effectively ramping up Rachel’s unease with jump scares and desolate, depopulated landscapes.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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When a white suburban jury acquitted the LAPD officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King, protesters spilled into the Slot and set the nearby landmark palm trees on fire — a precursor for the unrest to come.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
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So when, in December 2025, thousands of ICE agents descended upon the Twin Cities, initiating two months of unrest and violence, restaurants were not at the forefront of the headlines, but acutely absorbing its impact.—
David Farley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While 88% of companies report regular AI use, according to McKinsey, adoption may be stalling as a result of employees’ anxiety around the technology displacing them from their jobs.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Noise pollution is a real health issue linked to sleep disorders, elevated blood pressure and anxiety.—
Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At war while worries about jobs and household costs linger, his approval is down.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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Another worry is whether residential and small-business customers will see their bills go up to help cover the costs of the new power needed.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The escalating tensions came into sharp focus March 27, when animosity between GOP lawmakers in the two chambers of Congress burst dramatically into view.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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That plan ultimately goes awry, with Margot surviving the attack, smartly staged in a way that doesn’t completely ratchet up the violent tension, keeping the audience in an appropriate level of comfort while not compromising the narrative.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Roller coasters are the ultimate mix of thrill and are designed to toy with gravity and your nerves.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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That turned out to be just a citywide case of nerves.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted these state indexes have a history of statistical jumpiness.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restiveness. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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