restful

1 of 2

adjective

rest·​ful ˈrest-fəl 

1

: marked by, affording, or suggesting rest and repose

a restful color scheme

2

: being at rest : quiet

restfully

ˈrest-fə-lē 

adverb

restfulness noun

restfulness

2 of 2

noun

rest·​ful·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being restful

Synonyms of restful

Adjective

• quiet
• peaceful
• serene
• tranquil
• placid

Choose the Right Synonym for restful

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 restful in a Sentence

Adjective

It's restful by the stream.

I hope you had a relaxing and restful weekend.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mackenzie Hickson graduated from Spelman College this spring and looked forward to a restful summer before starting her graduate degree classes this fall at Emory University. — Nila Roper, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

This can help stabilize blood sugar overnight, supporting more restful sleep. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 July 2026

In a separate study, chronic daily users spent significantly more time awake during the night and got less restful sleep compared with nonusers; another study found that using cannabis close to bedtime had similar effects. — Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026

Thankfully, my first night in Appalachia consisted only of a restful sleep. — Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English restfulnes, from restful + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for restful

• westphal

Kids Definition

restful

adjective

rest·​ful ˈrest-fəl 

: giving or suggesting rest : quiet

a restful scene

restfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

restfulness noun