restless

adjective

rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
Synonyms of restless
1
: lacking or denying rest : uneasy
a restless night
2
: continuously moving : unquiet
the restless sea
3
: characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind
restless pacing
also : changeful, discontented
was becoming restless and unhappy with his job
The audience was restless.
restlessly adverb
restlessness noun

Synonyms of restless

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Examples of restless in a Sentence

restless children who can't sit still The audience was becoming restless. He started to feel restless and discontent in his job.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Snapping open and shut the phone satisfied some deep, restless urge, and the same was true for the rotational flourish of the wrist involved in opening and closing the knife. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2026 The basal ganglia get better at their job during the first thirty years of life; this is partly why kids are more impulsive and restless than adults. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026 The 16-track set is a truly thrilling journey through the relentless ambition and restless psyche of a young Black woman who’s dedicated her life to navigating the notoriously tumultuous music industry. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, in Miami, the winless Dolphins fans are getting restless. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restless

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restless was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing restless

Browse Nearby Words

restiveness
restless
restless cavy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restless. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restless

adjective
rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
1
: being without rest : giving no rest
a restless night
2
: always moving
the restless sea
3
: showing one to be uneasy
restless pacing back and forth
restlessly adverb
restlessness noun

Medical Definition

restless

adjective
rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
1
: deprived of rest or sleep
the patient was restless from pain
2
: providing no rest
a restless night
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