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 His restless curiosity extended well beyond one defining collaboration. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026 Cassatt matches this irreverence in her paint handling, describing the upholstery in flickering, restless strokes. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 Ice fields extend out ten to twenty miles, but there is always open, restless water in midlake. — James D. Oxley, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026 For instance, while journeying through the depths of Pisces, Luna will clash with Uranus in Gemini this afternoon, triggering a restless undercurrent that can make routines, restrictions and other people’s expectations all the more irritating. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 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
  • Meanwhile, China is tightening approvals for exports of rare earth products — a key bargaining chip at the last summit in Beijing, which sealed an uneasy trade truce.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As the novel coronavirus overtook daily life, in the spring of 2020, our celebrities occupied uneasy terrain.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • And the more anxious students become about their career prospects, the more attractive banks and banking clubs become.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Turkey and Pakistan, on the borders of the Middle East, have avoided significant direct attacks, both are anxious to calm conflicts that threaten their own security and economic health.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • The report also alleged that the foundational promise of the Joliet Treatment Center — available treatment for the mentally troubled — had gone largely unfulfilled.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Philadelphia comic Annie Lederman draws from her own troubled youth for some of her comedy.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of troubled
Adjective
  • But no one can ignore the reality that New York has experienced a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks.
    — Simcha Itzkowitz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • For people who live just steps from the home where the gun violence erupted, the incident was both disturbing and unsettling.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbing
Adjective
  • Tuesday's Michigan Democratic Senate primary race remains unsettled, with progressive Abdul El-Sayed holding onto a narrow lead over moderate Haley Stevens with votes still being counted.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The weekend’s weather still looks unsettled with more chances for rain.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • But things grow more tense, especially as neighbors that are also sealed in struggle to survive.
    — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders can be compassionate toward others through leadership and practicing openness, yet their presence will be tense or distant, constantly watching themselves.
    — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of tense
Adjective
  • However, in September 2025, Nepal’s restive Gen Z population shocked the world (and the country’s gerontocracy) by taking to the streets to demand change.
    — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Burnham, from Britain’s left-leaning Labour Party, faces restive voters seeking relief from the high cost of living.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of restive
Adjective
  • Because people are nervous that Tesla’s robotaxi is going to completely take over the autonomous-vehicle market and mobility overall.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • For anyone nervous about bringing up price, Bascombe says preparation is the best confidence booster.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nervous

Browse Nearby Words

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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on restless

Nglish: Translation of restless for Spanish Speakers

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