1
as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state
the nighttime tornado warnings were the likely source of the restiveness that could be felt all over town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unease
a state of nervousness marked by sudden jerky movements
I sensed that his restiveness at breakfast probably had something to do with the big presentation he would be making at the sales conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restiveness
Even from the start, flickers of restiveness appear.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
20 May 2026
Now as then, insecurity at Nigerian schools in the north is occurring in the context of a broad rash of violence across the country, from farmer-herder conflicts in the east and central regions, armed banditry attacks in the northwest, and youth restiveness in the south.
—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
24 Nov. 2025
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
20 May 2026
Now as then, insecurity at Nigerian schools in the north is occurring in the context of a broad rash of violence across the country, from farmer-herder conflicts in the east and central regions, armed banditry attacks in the northwest, and youth restiveness in the south.
—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restiveness
Noun
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The landlocked mineral-rich nation is facing one of its deepest political crises in decades as economic turmoil, nationwide protests and a battle over the country’s future threaten to reshape the balance of power in South America.
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Political turmoil intensifies as resignations, Russia’s rising threat and pressure from a skeptical United States leave Britain’s next leader to prove the plan can truly safeguard Europe.
Noun
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Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Noun
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Chevron benefits from unrest in the Middle East and other factors that can elevate energy prices.
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Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest.
Noun
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And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
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That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
Noun
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Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
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Elevation invites visitors to carve wishes, worries, and hopes into the church pews.
Noun
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The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.
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Analysts expect gas prices to continue falling but remain unpredictable due to geopolitical tensions.
Noun
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After Rapetti's try, Hiddleston settled any nerves among the Scotland players, though Argentina scored two late tries.
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But despite his nerves, Byrd conquered his fear of flying to be with his friend of 81 years.
Noun
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Market jumpiness can serve as a good moment for those nearing the end of their career to make sure their nest egg is prepared for a downturn, Benz said.
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Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted these state indexes have a history of statistical jumpiness.
Cite this Entry
“Restiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restiveness. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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