restless
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for restless, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use restless
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
restless night
grow restless
restless energy
Etymology
From Old English ræstleas, formed from ræst ("rest") plus the suffix -leas, meaning "without" — literally "without rest."
Full origin of restless →Frequently asked questions
What does “restless” mean?
The word “restless” means unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting. In plain terms, unable to settle down, either physically or in terms of wanting change.
How do you pronounce “restless”?
“Restless” is pronounced REHST-lihs (/ˈɹɛstlɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “restless” in a sentence?
Here is “restless” used in a sentence: “The children grew restless during the long car ride.”
What part of speech is “restless”?
“Restless” is an adjective.
Where does the word “restless” come from?
The word “restless” comes from Old English. From Old English ræstleas, formed from ræst ("rest") plus the suffix -leas, meaning "without" — literally "without rest.".
Is “restless” a common word?
“Restless” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “restless” have?
“Restless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting.
What is the difference between restless and anxious?
Restless describes an inability to stay still or relax, often shown through physical fidgeting or pacing, while anxious describes a feeling of worry or unease that may or may not involve physical movement. A person can be anxious while sitting perfectly still, but restlessness always involves some form of physical or mental agitation.
What is the difference between restless and bored?
Restless implies an active, fidgety dissatisfaction or eagerness for change, while bored describes a lack of interest or stimulation that may leave someone feeling flat rather than agitated. A restless person often wants to do something, whereas a bored person may simply want the current situation to end.
Can restless describe sleep as well as behavior?
Yes, restless is commonly used to describe disturbed or fitful sleep, as in "a restless night," where someone moves around frequently and fails to settle. This use extends the core meaning of being unable to stay still or relax into the context of sleep quality.
