comfortable

adjective

com·​fort·​able ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl 

ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-bəl,

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl 

ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-bəl,

ˈkəm-fər-bəl,

ˈkəm-fə-bəl

1

a

: affording or enjoying contentment and security

a comfortable income

b

: affording or enjoying physical comfort

a comfortable chair

was too comfortable to move

2

a

: free from vexation or doubt

comfortable assumptions

Lamb was comfortable in his ignorance of what he did not choose to know.

—James Mason Brown

b

: free from stress or tension

a comfortable routine

stayed at a comfortable distance from the crowd

comfortableness noun

comfortably

ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-blē 

ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-blē

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-blē

ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-blē

ˈkəm-fər-blē

ˈkəm-fə-blē

adverb

Synonyms

• comfy
• cozy
• cushy
• easy
• snug
• soft

Choose the Right Synonym for comfortable

comfortable, cozy, snug, easy, restful mean enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security.

comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

Examples of comfortable in a Sentence

These shoes aren't very comfortable for walking.

I can't seem to find a comfortable position in this chair.

Are you comfortable enough in that chair?

The nurse turned the patient on his side and asked him if he was comfortable.

I was just getting comfortable when the phone rang.

They stayed at a comfortable distance from the crowd.

He has a comfortable job.

She makes a comfortable living as a journalist.

They enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, an area famous for its bold scotches, Eight Lands Distillery eschews the comfortable path and instead produces gins and vodkas made with organic ingredients sourced from the region and Scottish spring water. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The sleek bench can accommodate two people and has a comfortable foam seat. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Treats and praise play a crucial role in reinforcing the behavior, ensuring the dog remains comfortable and confident on their new ride. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

It’s crafted with a heavyweight blend of polyester and acrylic that provides slight warmth, while the addition of spandex gives it a touch of stretch for an overall comfortable fit. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English comfortable, confortable "invigorating, encouraging, consoling, pleasant, agreeable," borrowed from Anglo-French confortable "comforting, encouraging," from conforter "to strengthen, encourage, comfort entry 1" + -able -able

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for comfortable

• uncomfortable

Kids Definition

comfortable

adjective

com·​fort·​able ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə(r)-bəl  ˈkəm(p)-fərt-ə-bəl 

1

: giving comfort

especially : providing physical comfort

a comfortable chair

2

: more than adequate

a comfortable income

3

: enjoying comfort : at ease

are you comfortable?

comfortableness noun

comfortably

-blē 

adverb