restless

adjective

ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
Definition of restlessnext
1
as in uneasy
lacking or denying rest the worried mother spent a restless night, tossing and turning in bed for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anxious
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings the figure skater was visibly restless as she waited for her scores to be posted

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 restless From the volatile peaks of Mount Etna to the restless Phlegraean Fields near Naples, understanding these unique gas signatures is important for assessing volcanic hazard. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026 The denial was a hit to Wilber’s spirit, but Yadira tried to calm the restless teenager. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 The London trio updates the naive humanism of 2000s indie-folk with modern dread and restless experimentation on its ambitious full-length debut. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for restless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restless
  1. uneasy
  2. anxious
  3. troubled
  4. disturbing
  5. unsettled
  6. tense
  7. restive
  8. nervous
Adjective
  • But as mainstream coverage of looksmaxxing continues and people like Clavicular are platformed by the fashion establishment, professionals across the beauty ecosystem are still uneasy.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Politics and sport have always been uneasy bedfellows, but until recently referees and other sport officials have rarely been dragged into the public discourse.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • Meditation, deep breathing, physical exercise or something as simple as doing laundry can interrupt the cycle of anxious searching.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Students are less anxious about money, less overwhelmed; their physical and mental health has improved.
    — Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • The film centers on Prabha, a troubled young man whose sudden and unexplained death triggers a ripple effect across his extended family and community.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • What To Watch For Whether Guerrero’s shooting will spur efforts to add guardrails on ICE agents, as Democratic lawmakers told the AP that Brouillette’s allegedly troubled background had exposed flaws in how the agency hires and deploys its officers.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of troubled
Adjective
  • Stuck together, wandering through thick green woods for days, the conversation between Sam and Paul drifts in an increasingly disturbing direction.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Wilde noted how Musk has perpetuated some of incel culture’s more disturbing ideology, particularly the belief that men are more powerful than nature.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • For centuries, certain pieces of royal jewelry have both fascinated and unsettled people.
    — Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • The rest of the week remains unsettled, so keep an eye on changing weather conditions and stay updated for possible advisories.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
  • In years when the contract is due to be renewed, the waiting period can get tense as fears that the convention will leave San Diego often surface when organizers demand new concessions from hoteliers and the city.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026
Definition of tense
Adjective
  • Those who had made it to their seats sat around in the packed stadium and gradually grew restive.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
  • Iran’s new leaders are acutely aware that Iranians remain restive and expect the government to ease their economic plight.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026
Definition of restive
Adjective
  • Some nervous observers are going so far as to swear off salads and other raw fruits and vegetables until the outbreak has run its course.
    — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
  • But Griffin’s recent donation to Moody is not the only indication Republicans could be more nervous about Florida than the Senate races in other bright-red states.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of nervous

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restiveness
restless
restlessness
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Cite this Entry

“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restless. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of restless for Spanish Speakers

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