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
  • With even the trial date itself in dispute and Gulf sovereign funds backing much of the equity amid regional turmoil, the Ellisons may have won the bidding war only to inherit a much costlier fight.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The waltz seemed to leave his heart in turmoil without lifting his spirits.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Noun
  • Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects.
    — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson, playing Tom’s own version of that unease a few beats earlier, needed only the smallest gesture to register it.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • The killing sparked nationwide unrest, with cartel members erecting highway blockades and setting fire to vehicles and buildings across 20 Mexican states.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Haiti is on the State Department’s do not travel list — owing to such hazards as crime, kidnapping, terrorism and unrest.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • The headlines often focus on uber-selective colleges and universities, the lengths students and parents will go to access them, and the parts of the process of applying that evoke the most anxiety.
    — Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most dreadful packing pain points is the anxiety of whether everything will actually fit in your suitcase, which, thankfully, my Away Bigger Carry-on has eliminated.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • There have also been growing concerns that AI companies are propping each other up through a web of funding deals, with Nvidia at the heart of those worries.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Those worries came to a head after the May election rout, leading to Starmer’s fall and Burnham’s rise.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • As tensions rise with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Sacramento City Unified is pressing ahead with a new fiscal sustainability plan aimed at avoiding insolvency and preserving local control.
    — Chaewon Chung July 30, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Shaw also noted tensions with immigration enforcement crackdowns happening near school campuses.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Not Bone, But Nerve That something is the ulnar nerve, one of the three major nerves running down the arm.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Chili introduces capsaicin, which activates nerves responsible for sensing heat rather than taste.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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