Steve Kornacki

Romney's Obama-era CPAC struggles spoke to a challenge his '12 campaign never overcame: to shore up the GOP's restive conservative base in a way that would allow him to pivot to the middle in pursuit of general election voters.

Ron Fournier

A sagging economy, a soaring national debt, and an increasingly restive Congress pushed Obama to order troop reductions that are both deeper and faster than recommended by his military commanders.

American Journalist

Rose Schneiderman

Our people were very restive, saying that they could not sit under that notice, and that if the National Board did not call them out soon they would go out of themselves.

Polish Activist

Stephen Kinzer

In 1983, most Nicaraguans had still not fallen to the depths of deprivation and despair which they would reach in later years, but many were already unhappy and restive.

American Author

Use 'restive' to describe someone's loss of patience while waiting, indicating a desire for action.

Impatience Signifier

'Restive' often reflects a mood of discontent or unease due to delay or dissatisfaction.

Mood Indicator

It can relate to physical discomfort causing one to be unable to stay still or quiet.

Physical Discomfort

Shows an active struggle against restrictions or control, suitable in contexts of rebellion.

Defiance Aspect

Implies refusal to follow direction or to be managed, hence suitable for describing animals or people.

Resistance to Direction

Best used where control or discipline is expected but is being challenged or resisted.