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
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
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
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Years of turmoil presaged the takeover.
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In turn, bonds often become less attractive in response to economic turmoil.
Noun
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The remarks reflected growing unease across Latin America over Washington’s increasingly expansive definition of cartel warfare.
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As geopolitical unease intensified last year, central banks and retail investors worldwide piled into gold.
Noun
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Haiti also did it without playing a single qualifying match in Haiti because of unrest.
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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained its large parliamentary majority in recent elections overshadowed by unrest in Africa’s second-most-populous country.
Noun
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As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
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In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.
Noun
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Wood’s career was derailed by injuries, leading to worries of hard throwers being susceptible to blowing out pitching arms.
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The New Jersey Girl and its parent company, The Local Girl Media Group, live on addressing public worries; this one just happened to have stakes for a broader population.
Noun
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The tension in these tracks are the binding agent for Jane’s fan base — the music is full of contradictions and incompatibilities smashing together that just feel like being young right now.
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Civilians in the area have not been instructed to evacuate but have faced checkpoints and tension, with occasional clashes between Israeli soldiers and villagers.
Noun
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Aguirre hoped his team would shake off nerves following the emotional opener at Azteca Stadium and show more bite in its second game against South Korea, but his team didn’t have much power behind its attack during the game’s first 45 minutes.
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Luckily, a couple Nightcaps veterans calmed my nerves.
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.
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Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted these state indexes have a history of statistical jumpiness.
Cite this Entry
“Restiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restiveness. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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