1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restless
lacking or denying rest
spent a restive night worrying about the next day's exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restive
Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Although its people are not restive, Putin’s Russia is internally weak.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
Pakistani forces raid militant hideouts PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Pakistan's security forces raided two militant hideouts in the country's restive northwest on Saturday, triggering gunbattles that left at least two soldiers and nine militants dead, the military said in a statement.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025
In the summer of 1884, the Knights of Labor began organizing restive Union Pacific workers, encouraging them to walk off the job.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Adjective
Tuesday's attack was the worst assault in years targeting civilians in the restive region that has seen an anti-India rebellion for more than three decades.
—Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Although its people are not restive, Putin’s Russia is internally weak.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
Pakistani forces raid militant hideouts PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Pakistan's security forces raided two militant hideouts in the country's restive northwest on Saturday, triggering gunbattles that left at least two soldiers and nine militants dead, the military said in a statement.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025
In the summer of 1884, the Knights of Labor began organizing restive Union Pacific workers, encouraging them to walk off the job.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restive
Adjective
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These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux.—
Jessica Dupuy,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey.—
Esther Zuckerman,
IndieWire,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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There is a kind of sadness that comes from living in a restless state of FOMO — or fear of missing out, as the acronym goes.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2025
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As congressional Democrats have struggled to combat Trump this year, attorneys general have represented a tangible — and effective — counter to the president for restless Democratic voters.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
18 May 2025
Noun
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The turmoil at key U.S. agencies threatens everything from forecast quality to storm recovery.—
Alan Ohnsman,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Meanwhile, the federal government agencies responsible for forecasting and disaster relief are in turmoil.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The second important thing to say about the speculation around Doctor Who is that the drama’s key figures — including Gatwa himself — have done little to dispel the sense of unease.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
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Local police are investigating the incident as theft, while Sevnica officials expressed unease, saying Melania's image was never a source of pride for the town.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Then, the detainees were executed, dressed in rebel uniforms, and reported as combat kills with many buried in anonymous graves in cemeteries.—
John Otis,
NPR,
27 May 2025
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Here romantic passion combines with revolution in a historical fiction sure to light up readers’ rebel hearts.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Noun
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This cultural suppression continued for decades, as political unrest escalated and the state’s grip on artistic expression tightened.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
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But residents say in the aftermath of the unrest, police — even ambulances — avoided coming here.—
Meg Anderson,
NPR,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Giving into your kids to avoid your own feelings of stress and anxiety does more harm than good in the long run, says bestselling author and personal growth expert Mel Robbins.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
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Millennials courageously started talking openly about therapy, anxiety, and depression, breaking decades of stigma.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Bowser’s shifting response on immigration matters is one of a number of ways the mayor, a leading figure in the Democratic resistance during Trump’s first term, is now striking a less defiant tone.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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Moxley took out Nightingale to massive heat, and Omega hit a snap-dragon suplex on a defiant Marina Shafir.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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