comforting 1 of 3

comforting

2 of 3

noun

as in reassurance
the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering the comforting of the sick has always been regarded as one of the major acts of charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

comforting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of comfort

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 comforting
Adjective
Make the hearty and comforting flavors of taco soup a bit more rich with this creamy taco soup recipe. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025 Dishes like wild halibut with Jimmy Nardello peppers and spaghetti with squash and spinach feel nourishing and comforting, but never boring. Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 After chemo, people often develop mouth sores and lose their sense of taste, and the creamy texture can feel comforting. Marielle Segarra, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025 But when newspapers shifted from reinforcing social order to documenting disorder in readers’ own communities, audiences responded by distrusting the institution that shattered their comforting myths. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 For many families, this overwhelming process has become clear, insightful, and even comforting. Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 In recent decades the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos has been widely embraced across the Bay Area, providing a comforting counterpoint to the thrills, chills and shenanigans of Halloween. Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025 Sandalwood is creamy, smooth, and comforting. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025 For a stroll back in time, bucolic Natchez, MS offers tourists a comforting view of the antebellum South, glossing over such inconvenient realities as millions of people held in bondage. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Gooey butter cake is beloved for its, well, gooey texture and warm, comforting flavors that are decadent but not fussy or overwhelming. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025 Food spans across the board from tamales to ice cream and tacos to warm-and-comforting atole drinks. Lisa Hix, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025 And that can be comforting in today’s stressed world, says Joseph Sgambatti, 37, a design journalist in New York City. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Making kids feel responsible for your emotions Some parents unknowingly expect kids to regulate their stress by comforting them. Reem Raouda, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025 There’s something comforting about the spectacle of their comfort. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 The aroma of this best-seller blends comforting notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 He is compensated for lamenting and comforting grieving families during funerals. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 The service included readings of verses from the Bible, reflective prayers and comforting gospel songs. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comforting
Adjective
  • The early signs are encouraging but the players are still adapting to Alonso’s demands.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • However, their performance was anything but encouraging.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Golfers can play a round at the renowned Torrey Pines golf course, and for those looking for a more relaxing experience, a hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers incredible coastal views in the last surviving home of the namesake tree in the continental United States.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 25 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most relaxing parts of the day is burrowing under your blankets before drifting off to sleep.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For men, comfort with being touched was tied to relationship insecurity—those anxious about their relationships were more likely to seek touch for reassurance, while men uncomfortable with closeness tended to dislike being touched themselves.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The question carries a desire for reassurance that the future will be brighter than the uncertainty of today.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • French Finance Minister Roland Lescure — the country’s third in just over a year — is in New York this week reassuring investors that the EU’s second-biggest economy can get it together.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • While workers are hand-wringing at the prospect of an algorithm taking their job, bosses are reassuring workers that AI is just like any other technological revolution.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With some thoughtful preparation, patience, and understanding of feline behavior, owners can make introductions smoother and help build a lasting bond that makes life with two cats truly rewarding.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Mesa Homeowners Card could be a rewarding choice if your spending habits and lifestyle fit the card.
    Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The soothing, antioxidant-rich formula offers enough coverage that it can be used in lieu of a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • What results is a soothing outdoor space that stays beautiful from season to season.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The band released a statement assuring that Arcade Fire will continue despite the breakup.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Commerce and Civil Aviation Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said a probe had been launched to determine the cause of the fire, while assuring businesses that the firefighting response had been immediate—with 37 units deployed to control the blaze.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nulu fabric is buttery-soft, sweat-wicking, and warm without overheating.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • First, warm soil temperatures combined with moderate air temperatures in early autumn create ideal grass seed germination conditions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comforting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comforting. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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