Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective restful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restful are comfortable, cozy, easy, and snug. While all these words mean "enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security," restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

When could comfortable be used to replace restful?

The synonyms comfortable and restful are sometimes interchangeable, but comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

When is it sensible to use cozy instead of restful?

The words cozy and restful can be used in similar contexts, but cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

In what contexts can easy take the place of restful?

Although the words easy and restful have much in common, easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

Where would snug be a reasonable alternative to restful?

The meanings of snug and restful largely overlap; however, snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restful This nightly routine of slathering on aromatic oils and kneading away tension and worries, prepares the mind and body for a restful sleep. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Wellness benefits: Enhances air quality Encourages restful sleep 3. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The Sleep Mist includes chamomile and lavender scents in a blend of essential oils, which encourages restful sleep and renewal. Alfredo Mineo, Footwear News, 27 Mar. 2025 Also available in capsule and powder forms, this mineral plays a role in muscle and nerve function and has also been shown to be effective for promoting restful sleep and relieving anxiety. Jess Cording, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restful
Adjective
  • As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.
    Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In the rich and frequently chaotic history of Marseille, there can have been fewer more apt demonstrations of the club’s inherent tendency towards turbulence than the decision to head to Rome for some peace and quiet in the same week as the death of the Pope.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bedrooms offer a serene retreat with plush bedding and ample storage, while the bathrooms feature sleek fixtures and finishes.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • World of Hyatt’s new Mazatlán resort has a dreamy destination spa, an almost endless beach, and serene rooms made for decompressing complete with real-life wave sounds.
    Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft, soothing shades like dusty blues, sage greens and warm neutrals can help create a tranquil mood.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For decades, that task would have taken place in the placid setting of a bullpen session.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • There are meadows full of elk and rivers stacked with trout, steep slopes, and placid lakes.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restful. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restful

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