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
Relevance
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
The crowds were restless this weekend at Wrigley Field, where fans booed Tucker during Sunday’s 4-3 comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
—
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Both Justine and Archer, at odds with each other initially, find a sense of purpose for their restless energy in investigating the disappearance themselves.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2025
However, without enough structured activity, the breed can become restless and turn to destructive behaviors out of boredom.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
This cycle of energy highs and lows can leave you feeling drained during the day and restless at night.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restless
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Both Justine and Archer, at odds with each other initially, find a sense of purpose for their restless energy in investigating the disappearance themselves.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2025
However, without enough structured activity, the breed can become restless and turn to destructive behaviors out of boredom.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
This cycle of energy highs and lows can leave you feeling drained during the day and restless at night.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restless
Adjective
-
Unlike taking space to cool down, which is a much healthier strategy, the silent treatment is used specifically to make the other partner feel uneasy.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The pair form an uneasy and sometimes humorous alliance while uncovering a drug ring revolving around a dangerous alien narcotic.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Adding squeaky toys and being careful to be gentle when bathing can all help an anxious dog at bathtime, and owners should use a muzzle if their dog becomes aggressive during bathtime.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
-
However, the enthusiasm was short-lived, as the sell-off on Monday revealed that investors remain anxious about the uncertainties regarding the frequency and magnitude of potential rate cuts.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The artificial intelligence darling is expected to beat expectations as it’s done for just about the entirety of the AI rally, but the results come at a troubled time for the chipmaker, as the American company’s exposure to China has put it in the crosshairs of the Trump administration and Beijing.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The Japanese firm’s decision follows news last week that the US government could take a stake in the troubled chipmaking giant.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
On the morning of the massacre, an erratic-acting Westman posted a disturbing video displaying an arsenal of firearms, magazines and ammunition adorned with extremist writings.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Perhaps most disturbing were revelations about Reese Jones, an early funder.—
Thessaly La Force,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Life-threatening rip currents will also be widespread along the East Coast all week, and likely through the weekend, due to these unsettled waters.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
18 Aug. 2025
-
With the ongoing litigation and unsettled backdrop, uncertainty around the future of tariffs and trade persists.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As Wrestling World Reacts The wrestling community has had no shortage of words amid an endless pit of highly tense, emotional reactions.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
This tense standoff has a rhythmic quality to it, so much so that both King and Felon begin to deliberately rhyme.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.—
Mo Abbas,
NBC news,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration brokered a cease-fire between Israel and Syria, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said on Friday, but some within the Administration have grown restive over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recalcitrance, Axios reported on Sunday.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
-
While most dogs don’t love pills, all dogs love a tasty treat, making these calming hemp chews an excellent choice for your nervous pup.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restless. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share