restful
Americanadjective
-
giving or conducive to rest.
- Antonyms:
- disturbing
-
being at rest; quiet; tranquil; peaceful.
- Synonyms:
- undisturbed, serene, calm
- Antonyms:
- agitated
adjective
-
giving or conducive to rest
-
being at rest; tranquil; calm
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of restful
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at rest 1, -ful
Explanation
Something that's restful soothes you or helps you to relax. At the end of a long, busy day, a hot bath can be restful. Chasing your three year-old cousin around a playground in the hot sun for an hour isn't particularly restful, but you might follow that up with a restful nap in a comfortable hammock. Anything peaceful and quiet is restful. The word adds the suffix -ful, "full of" or "characterized by," to rest, which comes from a Germanic root meaning "rest, repose, or peace."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Focusing on one or two places may create a more restful vacation.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
The first few days in Milan were anything but restful, with Cizeron facing questions from reporters about Papadakis's book, and Fournier Beaudry being asked about the case involving her former partner.
From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026
In contrast to those who say the colour is boring, Robinson sees it as "adaptable" and says it's best used in "bedrooms and living areas where you want a serene, restful atmosphere".
From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025
Few things do more for your immune system than seven to eight hours of restful sleep per night.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025
The next day, after another restful night on the boat—to which, once again, Richard Parker had returned—I was able to walk.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
