restless

[rest-lis] / ˈrɛst lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

not content; moving about

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated anxious disturbed edgy fidgety itchy nervous restive sleepless troubled uneasy unruly unsettled

WEAK

active antsy bundle of nerves bustling changeable fidgeting fitful footloose fretful hurried ill at ease inconstant intermittent irresolute jumpy nomadic on edge perturbed roving spasmodic strung-out tossing and turning transient turbulent unpeaceful unquiet unrestful unstable unsteady wandering worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm collected composed content cool easygoing laid-back peaceful quiet relaxed settled unworried

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The message is clear to his MPs and restless ministers - try if you like, but I'll fight you to stay.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

A subdued economy leads to a subdued, restless, perhaps cantankerous electorate.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

"Imagine, without sleep, my child was restless all night," Quinones said.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Now the unchallenged master of the Roman world, Severus continued to show a restless energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The illustration of the child asleep in his bed beneath the stars faces outward, but it is difficult to tell if the child’s dreams are peaceful or restless.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Vocabulary lists containing restless

"The Civil Rights Movement"

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Vocabulary from "Community is the 'killer app' missing from virtual reality" by Dmitri Williams

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Don't Panic! Synonyms for "Stress"

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