- Definition
- Definition
-
Did you know?
- Synonyms
- Synonym Chooser
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Related Articles
- Podcast
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Did you know?
Restive ultimately comes from the Anglo-French word rester, meaning "to stop, resist, or remain." In its earliest use, restive meant "sluggish" or "inactive," though this sense is no longer in use. Another early sense was "stubborn, obstinate." Specifically, restive often referred to horses that refused to do as commanded. This general application to unruly horses may have influenced the development of the "fidgety, impatient" sense of restive. Some usage commentators have objected to this newer sense, but it has been in use for well over a century, and is now the more common of the uses.
Synonyms
contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control.
contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.
perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.
restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.
balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.
wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.
Examples of restive in a Sentence
Word History
Middle English restyf, from Anglo-French restif, from rester to stop, resist, remain
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Podcast
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!
Dictionary Entries Near restive
Cite this Entry
“Restive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restive. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on restive
Nglish: Translation of restive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of restive for Arabic Speakers
Share