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

Straight men are now more comfortable wearing femme clothes, sharing a tearful hug with male counterparts, opening up about their mental health, and expressing their commitment to being stay-at-home dads. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 29 Apr. 2024

Adidas Women’s Stan Smith Sneakers Ever since Adidas launched its iconic Stan Smith silhouette back in the 1960s, it has been loved among celebrities and travelers for its effortlessly stylish look and comfortable fit. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, both parties appeared to get more comfortable with PDA, taking multiple moments to whisper things into each other's ears. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2024

The sling seat has a comfortable, hammock-like feel and requires zero assembly. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 28 Apr. 2024

It’s made with a lightweight, stretchy material for a comfortable fit and has a long, flowy wrap style skirt with a slit. —Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2024

The Panthers lost Saturday evening in Tampa, 6-3, but still lead the series by a comfortable 3-1 and can clinch and advance back home in Sunrise in Game 5 on Monday night. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024

This is the temperature at which someone who sleeps cold will still feel comfortable. —Scott Gilbertson Gear Team, WIRED, 28 Apr. 2024

One of the key factors in bringing Trump around on early and mail-in voting was the data advisers were able to show him that suggested the campaign could effectively broaden its outreach to swing voters in battleground states if the Republican base was comfortable with voting early. —Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2024

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

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