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 Minimize alcohol ahead of your bedtime to promote a more restful sleep. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025 But its night wouldn’t be restful. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 The outdoor dining and lounge areas’ elevated perch and the oasis-like saltwater pool give sunset viewings and days off a restful, restorative vibe. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025 Hospitality experts design mattresses and bedding sets to appeal to a wide audience, optimizing comfort for a restful night's sleep. Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restful
Adjective
  • The Seattle crowd that exploded in the first was quiet.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The three-bedroom property features quintessentially Scandi details like wide plank flooring and high ceilings, and the balcony comes equipped with sofas for quiet coffees in the morning light.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Udine, Italy Reuters — Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched Tuesday in the northern Italian city of Udine before Italy’s World Cup soccer qualifier against Israel, concluding their mostly peaceful protest with clashes involving police.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Both animals were pictured with their eyes closed, in a deep, peaceful snooze together.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Poland’s Nazi labyrinth The countryside around the little Polish village of Pniewo looks serene, with its yellow crops and patches of forest, but beneath the surface lies a sprawling 20-mile maze of tunnels, shafts, underground railway stations and combat facilities.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tranquil, upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades was devastated by the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, destroying thousands of structures—including the home of celebrities such as Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Out-of-towners were enjoying the warm weather and music on an outdoor deck at the American Fish Company in Southport, a small and tranquil city near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, when gunshots rang out.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter were sometimes embroidered on his signature woolen cardigans and shawls bearing stylized versions of placid landscapes, bandana patterns or geometric motifs.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restful. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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