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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
The move comes amid mounting pressure from parents, teachers and health experts who blame the drinks for mood swings, panic attacks, restlessness and even falling grades.
—
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For Walmsley, one of the world’s most successful ultrarunners, the sport has always been more than a career or a hobby – more than just a way to appease his restlessness.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Sometimes that translated to a certain restlessness in still moments.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
In this idyll forest, Komljen contraposes urban restlessness with natural respite, where Branko is able to literally fuse into the natural world of flora and fauna.
—Sonya Vseliubska, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
The creators also capitalize on Hank and Peggy’s restlessness in retirement, which forces them to embark on new adventures.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
The circumstances only served to to increase his restlessness.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For Walmsley, one of the world’s most successful ultrarunners, the sport has always been more than a career or a hobby – more than just a way to appease his restlessness.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Sometimes that translated to a certain restlessness in still moments.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
In this idyll forest, Komljen contraposes urban restlessness with natural respite, where Branko is able to literally fuse into the natural world of flora and fauna.
—Sonya Vseliubska, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
The creators also capitalize on Hank and Peggy’s restlessness in retirement, which forces them to embark on new adventures.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
The circumstances only served to to increase his restlessness.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restlessness
Noun
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Thailand has been in political turmoil since, ever since deadly border clashes with Cambodian forces.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Stock futures gained momentum on Sunday evening as investors brace for fresh inflation data and political turmoil overseas that could ripple through the bond market.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The children of this era would go on to lead the next affective era in the form of the 1960s—which in many ways were a fight against this boredom, a call to reclaim the excitement of communalism, of revolution, of queerness and chaos.—
P.E. Moskowitz
September 11,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
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Your kid might not otherwise disclose these issues—but framing them around boredom (which is easier to talk about than, say, loneliness) can let you in on what's really going on in their day.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Nepal’s current bout of political unrest started in early September, when a group of young Nepalis, fed up with seeing politicians’ children posting about their designer handbags and luxury travel while most people struggle to make ends meet, organized a peaceful protest.—
Sugam Pokharel,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
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International headlines often paint Haiti as a nation gripped by crisis — from political unrest and economic hardship to uncertainty about the future and unruly crime.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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North Carolina’s 20-3 win over the 49ers on the Charlotte campus Saturday night won’t break any records for its excitement level.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Fall does not arrive with the same excitement.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restlessness. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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