1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restless
lacking or denying rest
spent a restive night worrying about the next day's exam
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restive
Just as the Kremlin sought to quell dissent against its vicious campaign in the restive republic, so, too, has a deafening silence accompanied its Ukraine folly.
—
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.
—Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
But the increasing Muslim majority was growing restive.
—John Carlisle, Freep.com, 31 May 2025
While Pakistani security forces frequently target TTP hideouts in the restive northwest and elsewhere, such operations in Kashmir are rare.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.
—Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
But the increasing Muslim majority was growing restive.
—John Carlisle, Freep.com, 31 May 2025
While Pakistani security forces frequently target TTP hideouts in the restive northwest and elsewhere, such operations in Kashmir are rare.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for restive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restive
Adjective
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According to the researchers, teenage men tend to favor intense, rebellious genres that fuel identity and independence in a phase that peaks early.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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But the couple have yet to conceive an heir, so when Jerome absconds and his dashing friend Manfred (Galitzine) arrives with dastardly intentions, Hero (Corrin), Cherry’s wily and loyal maid, is forced to concoct a plan to distract Manfred by telling captivating stories about rebellious women.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While some dog owners struggle with restless nights due to snoring or space-hogging canines, others, like the creator of this video, find joy and comfort in the company.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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After several nights of restless sleep, the man’s patience finally ran out.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The 64-year-old actor famously portrays rebel leader Morpheus, captain of the Nebuchadnezzar, in the hit sci-fi action film franchise.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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The palace officials assured them the president was there, hashing out a plan with his military and Russian and Iranian advisers to confront the advancing rebel forces.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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On Monday afternoon, Petro remained defiant.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
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This Irish American neighborhood is famous for its quirky upside-down traffic light, where green proudly sits above red—a symbol of its defiant community spirit.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Month over month, that would be the same stubborn pace that has persisted for more than two years.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
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Results show that microbial iron mining can immobilize toxic metals and convert stubborn pollutants into less harmful compounds.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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