rest
1 antonyms and opposites of rest, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Relief from work or activity, especially by sleeping or relaxing.
Antonyms
How to use rest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ræst, related to German Rast and Dutch rust, ultimately going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to rest, calm down."
Full origin of rest →Frequently asked questions
What does “rest” mean?
The word “rest” means relief from work or activity, especially by sleeping or relaxing. In plain terms, to stop and relax, or, as a noun, everything that's left over.
How do you pronounce “rest”?
“Rest” is pronounced rehst (/ɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “rest” in a sentence?
Here is “rest” used in a sentence: “You need to get some rest before the long drive tomorrow.”
What is another word for “rest”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rest” include relieve, lean, place, put and lie.
What is the opposite of “rest”?
The opposite of “rest” — its antonyms — is activity.
What part of speech is “rest”?
Depending on how it is used, “rest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rest” come from?
The word “rest” comes from Old English. From Old English ræst, related to German Rast and Dutch rust, ultimately going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to rest, calm down.".
Is “rest” a common word?
“Rest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between rest and sleep?
Sleep is a specific state of reduced consciousness your body enters, usually at night. Rest is broader — any relief from exertion, whether you're napping, sitting quietly, reading, or simply doing nothing demanding. All sleep is rest, but you can rest deeply while fully awake. Both help the body recover.
Why is rest important?
Rest lets the body and mind recover from exertion — muscles repair, energy stores refill, and the brain consolidates memories and regulates mood. Without enough of it, concentration, immunity, and physical performance all decline. Regular rest isn't idleness; it's a necessary counterweight to activity that keeps you healthy and effective.
What are the types of rest?
Beyond physical rest, people speak of mental rest from concentration, emotional rest from stress, and sensory rest from noise and screens. A change of activity can itself be restful. Recognising that rest comes in several forms helps explain why a holiday can leave you refreshed in one way but not another.
Is rest the same as relaxation?
They overlap but aren't identical. Rest is any break from exertion, including sleep; relaxation is the release of physical and mental tension, often deliberately, through activities like deep breathing, a warm bath, or gentle music. You can rest without relaxing — lying awake and tense — and relaxation is one restful path.