1
as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state
the restlessness of the crowd was apparent as it waited to learn whether the football player was seriously injured
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in boredom
the state of being bored
she began to pick at the grass near her hammock out of sheer restlessness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restlessness
Bowie’s genius was a driver and a result of an unquenchable inner restlessness.
—
Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
This is because of the productive restlessness that Safdie fosters in his colleagues, many of whom have been at his side for decades, and, of course, the spirit of his wildly original new character.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
Modern routines often involve waiting, repetition, and low-level restlessness.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Emotional restlessness or impatience may surface as a result.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
New year optimism was certainly in short supply inside Anfield as the mood lurched from restlessness to exasperation and then anger.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
But many people are also feeling restlessness or impatience at the moment.
—Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Boredom and restlessness may set in while Mercury contends with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
This is a powerful moment to listen to subtle signals — fatigue, irritation, or restlessness are all messages asking you to work with yourself, not against yourself.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Dec. 2025
Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
This is because of the productive restlessness that Safdie fosters in his colleagues, many of whom have been at his side for decades, and, of course, the spirit of his wildly original new character.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
Modern routines often involve waiting, repetition, and low-level restlessness.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
Emotional restlessness or impatience may surface as a result.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
New year optimism was certainly in short supply inside Anfield as the mood lurched from restlessness to exasperation and then anger.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
But many people are also feeling restlessness or impatience at the moment.
—Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Boredom and restlessness may set in while Mercury contends with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
This is a powerful moment to listen to subtle signals — fatigue, irritation, or restlessness are all messages asking you to work with yourself, not against yourself.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restlessness
Noun
-
Set in 1977, during Brazil’s military dictatorship, the thriller details Armando and his son in their efforts to escape the country in the midst of political turmoil.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
This includes the 2008-2014 period, when the Great Recession’s economic turmoil saw van moves into California exceed van moves out of the state.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Soon enough, once a candidate has entered the race, boredom sets in and the speculation and desire for someone fresh and different starts anew.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Here’s to boredom, to wrong turns, to fruitful friction.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some other reports put the death toll from unrest much higher, with TIME citing a doctor in Tehran as saying at least 217 people had been killed, for instance.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
In a statement broadcast by state TV, a security force known for quelling unrest accused terrorists of targeting military and law enforcement bases over the past two nights.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While the series concluded with its second season in May, Luna opened up to PEOPLE ahead of the 2022 premiere about the excitement of being a part of the Star Wars universe.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Pickleball enthusiasts expressed excitement that indoor courts would be opening but opponents worried other community events that were once held at the site would be forced out like arts and crafts show, roller derby, the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restlessness. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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