1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restless
lacking or denying rest
spent a restive night worrying about the next day's exam
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 restive
All of this runs counter to the narrative — popular among Washington’s chattering class — that a young and restive crop of Democrats is clamoring to scrap the seniority system that’s guided the party’s committee-selection process for years.
—
Mike Lillis, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024
While the submarine crew grows restive and their captain lapses into a state of permanent inebriation, across three continents, politics roll on.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Despite American claims that the attack on Bud Dajo would pacify the restive Moros, the unrest continued.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
But the raid is also shining a spotlight on the Palestinian Authority’s ability to impose order and security in a restive area.
—Majdi Mohammed and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for restive
Mike Lillis, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024
While the submarine crew grows restive and their captain lapses into a state of permanent inebriation, across three continents, politics roll on.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Despite American claims that the attack on Bud Dajo would pacify the restive Moros, the unrest continued.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
But the raid is also shining a spotlight on the Palestinian Authority’s ability to impose order and security in a restive area.
—Majdi Mohammed and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for restive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restive
Adjective
-
Stefani’s style influences and stage presence have long catered to a rebellious punk-forward aesthetic.—
WWD Staff,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Still retaining the playful, rebellious connotations of the first M.A.D. Editions, the new M.A.D. 2 has another spirit. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Roberta Naas,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Her absence has left USC fans stunned and the women’s college basketball world restless.—
Chantel Jennings,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
-
In the titular novel, restless lumberjacks plan a dance under the condition that some of them will attend as women.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In January, the conflict sharply escalated, as Rwandan troops and their M23 rebel allies took control of Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo.—
Jason K. Stearns,
TIME,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Her character evolves throughout the series from a superficial adherent to the Capitol’s cruel system to a rebel sympathizer who comes to care deeply for Katniss and Peeta, representing the potential for change even among those benefiting from oppression. 10.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.—
Kareem Khadder,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.—
Zachary Basu,
Axios,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share