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.
If restless nights are a pattern, a conversation with your doctor may matter more than what sits in your snack bowl. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 Mouth taping promises an easy fix for snoring, dry mouth and restless nights, and your TikTok feed may already be full of influencers swearing by it. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 As for the neighborhood, the Brera district is a favorite of both locals and visitors with its unique atmosphere that combines the best of historic Milan with the restless and infectious energy of the city’s creative scene today. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Marked by restless lines, these works depict a woman tentatively emerging from a cocoon in a ritual of transformation and emancipation. — Tatiane De Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 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 27 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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