fretful

adjective

fret·​ful ˈfret-fəl How to pronounce fretful (audio)
: disposed to fret : irritable, restless
fretfully adverb
fretfulness noun

Examples of fretful in a Sentence

He fell into a fretful sleep.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Long wait times became a self-fulfilling prophecy In recent weeks, news of the turmoil at Social Security mobilized fretful Americans to telephone or visit the agency, seeding further chaos. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 1 May 2025 At the very least, Washington sought to assure the fretful Parsons that all was not yet lost. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025 Too many young people are anxious, fretful and socially isolated. Sarah Lent, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 At the very least, Washington sought to assure the fretful Parsons that all was not yet lost. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fretful

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fretful was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fretful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fretful. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fretful

adjective
fret·​ful ˈfret-fəl How to pronounce fretful (audio)
1
: inclined to worry
a fretful child
2
: not relaxing or restful
a fretful sleep
fretfully adverb
fretfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fretful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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