Definition of restfulnext

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 After a restful night’s sleep, everyone is buzzing with excitement the next morning. Christina Liao, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026 Bedroom Weekly Cleaning Musts A bedroom should be a calm and restful oasis. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026 The property is ideal for late arrivals, early departures, or long layovers, and turns an airport stay into a restful, stress-free travel experience. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 Wishing you all a restful day and a beautiful start to the new year! Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restful
Adjective
  • Without my father’s booming presence, our house was strangely quiet.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • What was once a gravel and sand mine is being reforested and turned into a sanctuary with quiet beaches and a pristine, spring water lake.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The hotel’s 240 rooms have been designed as peaceful and exclusive retreats, and yet the five-star hotel is also the island’s latest attraction.
    José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The park’s two-acre freshwater lake offers peaceful fishing spots.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For glam, Union’s pixie cut hairdo was coiffed with a modern touch, and her makeup included clean, serene details like bold brows, lightly lined eyes and a neutral lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • At L'Auberge de Sedona's serene spa, options include alternative treatments like chakra-balancing massages and Reiki, as well as body scrubs to make dry skin glow.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River.
    Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hicks was born in 1967, grew up in the placid Chicago suburb of South Holland, studied at a seminary on the Southwest Side, spent a year in Mexico, and served in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes and seminaries.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
  • But this type of placid acceptance in the face of obvious danger isn’t unique to this ensemble.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restful. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on restful

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