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 As darkness settled across a mountain in central Mexico, a venomous baby creature settled down to sleep, but its night wouldn’t be restful. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create an environment that supports restful sleep. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 June 2025 Cozy Cardamom Immune + Sleep product contains ashwagandha and reishi, as well as passionflower, and helps promote restful sleep. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 That includes seven to nine hours of restful sleep nightly. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for restful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restful
Adjective
  • Pulse Picks Yes, the MLB trade deadline could be quiet … but there are some big names that could move, too.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Once a quiet fishing village, Nazaré, Portugal, is home to some of the world's largest rideable waves, reaching up to 100 feet.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 40,000-square-foot Spa Montage, meanwhile, is a destination in itself and includes a peaceful infinity pool surrounded by tropical greenery.
    John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • An excellent way to unwind from daily stressors, stargazing can serve as a peaceful, mindfulness practice.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • In between, are patio tables with umbrellas and other shady spots to sit for a while and take in the serene surroundings.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Finally, the third gallery room attempts to project a cooler, more verdant future with walls colored a serene green hue.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • You and your date are nestled on Mozart's expansive deck, with a signature coffee in hand, watching this spectacular show unfold over the tranquil waters of Lake Austin.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The tranquil spa on the property’s lower level feels like a hidden oasis, with a sleek and contemporary pool that is, in fact, the only indoor swimming pool in inner Copenhagen.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • While some are more placid and don't mind being treated, there are others who can get very stressed by their unknown environment, including Percy the cat.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
  • His face is as placid as a god’s, affixing a category to each letter.
    Rick Barot, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restful. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restful

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