Restless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈrest-ləs/ rest·less

Meaning & Definition of Restless

Restless (adjective)

  1. lacking or denying rest, uneasy
  2. continuously moving, unquiet
  3. characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind; also, changeful, discontented

Restless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking or denying rest

    "the worried mother spent a restless night, tossing and turning in bed for hours"

    similar: restive, uneasy, unquiet, unrestful
    related: agitated, distressed, disturbed, perturbed, troubled, unsettled, aflutter, anxious, dithery, edgy, fidgety, het up, hung up, jittery, jumpy, nervous, nervy, tense, upset, uptight, worried
    opposite: restful
    near: calm, easy, peaceful, quiet, relaxing, tranquil

  2. marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings

    "the figure skater was visibly restless as she waited for her scores to be posted"

    similar: agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy, nail-biting, nerve-racking, nervous, tense, uneasy, unnerving, unsettling, worrisome
    related: bothersome, troublesome, foreboding, misgiving, discouraging, disheartening, strained, restive, unrestful, awkward, embarrassing
    opposite: calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil
    near: restful, pacific

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Restless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Restless:

restive, uneasy, unquiet, unrestful, agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy, nail-biting, nerve-racking, nervous, tense, unnerving, unsettling, worrisome

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Restless

Words with the opposite meaning of Restless:

restful, calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil

Related Words for Restless

agitated, distressed, disturbed, perturbed, troubled, unsettled, aflutter, dithery, edgy, fidgety, het up, hung up, jittery, jumpy, nervy, upset, uptight, worried, bothersome, troublesome, foreboding, misgiving, discouraging, disheartening, strained, awkward, embarrassing

Near Antonyms of Restless

calm, relaxing, pacific

Word Forms of Restless

Derived words: restlessly (adverb), restlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Restless

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Restless

restless legs syndrome

Frequently Asked Questions about Restless

What does "Restless" mean?

"Restless" means lacking or denying rest, uneasy. As an adjective, it is defined as: lacking or denying rest, uneasy. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Restless"?

Other words for "Restless" include restive, uneasy, unquiet, unrestful, agitating, anxious, creepy and disquieting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Restless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Restless"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Restless". Common alternatives include restive, uneasy, unquiet, unrestful, agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful and distressing.

What is the opposite of "Restless"?

Antonyms of "Restless" include restful, calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting and tranquil. Near antonyms include calm, relaxing and pacific.

How do you use "Restless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Restless" in a sentence: "the worried mother spent a restless night, tossing and turning in bed for hours"; "the figure skater was visibly restless as she waited for her scores to be posted".

Is "Restless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Restless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Restless"?

"Restless" is pronounced /ˈrest-ləs/ and divided into syllables as rest·less.

What is the origin of the word "Restless"?

First known use: before 12th century.