comfortable

1 of 2

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

comfortability

ˌkəm(p)-fər-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌkəm(p)(f)-tər-ˈbi-lə-tē

noun

Fabric, construction, fit, and comfortability all play a role in the overall performance of rain gear.

—Joseph Albanese

… steel mills and related plants offered people with any socio-economic status a shot at middle-class comfortability …

—Jerry Davich

comfortableness noun

Atticus's voice had lost its comfortableness; he was speaking in his arid, detached professional voice.

—Harper Lee

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

resting comfortably

… injections keep the allergy symptoms at bay so the owner can live comfortably with the cat.

—Amy D. Shojai

comfortableness

2 of 2

noun

com·​fort·​able·​ness

ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl-nəs, 

-tə-;

ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl-, 

-fə-;

ˈkəm-fər-bəl-, 

-fə-

plural -es

: the condition of being comfortable

Synonyms of comfortable

Adjective

• snug
• easy
• soft
• spacious
• comfy
• cozy

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

Adjective

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

Adjective

From anti-theft purses that look like chic handbags to polished trousers that feel more like comfy sweatpants, these styles are versatile, functional, and comfortable to boot—and prices start at just $8. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026

As the positional map below shows, Fernandez-Pardo is comfortable anywhere across the front three. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

This feels more like Shanahan and his staff evaluated rookie fourth-round pick Carver Willis throughout training camp and do not feel comfortable enough to name him as the starter. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The end result hovers sensitively between prison and hotel—with a visit offering rare insight into the design and workings of the historic institution, tempered with a comfortable and quietly luxurious stay. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

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