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

Hot sleepers and combination sleepers (especially those who flop between their backs and sides) should find this mattress more than comfortable. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024

These wide-leg pants are so comfortable, thanks to their silky-soft fabric and drapey fit. —Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

That only comes from a place of them feeling comfortable. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Costume Comfort Lists: Many online resources provide recommendations for comfortable costumes that minimize sensory discomfort. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 24 Oct. 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