Synonyms of snug

snug 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in tidy

being clean and in good order

a snug military cadet in dress uniform

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tidy
• trim
• neat
• tidied
• shipshape
• smug
• picked up
• uncluttered
• orderly
• crisp
• prim
• groomed
• antiseptic
• immaculate
• sleek
• kempt
• well-groomed
• organized
• trig
• spiffy
• taut
• bandbox
• saucy
• dapper
• spotless
• natty
• streamlined
• spruce
• spick-and-span
• rakish
• smart
• systematic
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• messy
• untidy
• slovenly
• shabby
• disordered
• unkempt
• sloppy
• disorderly
• disheveled
• scruffy
• dirty
• filthy
• seedy
• squalid
• mussy
• sordid
• slipshod
• nasty
• foul
• mussed
• rumpled
• sloven
• dowdy
• tumbled
• disorganized
• frowsy
• unsystematic
• tousled

2

as in comfortable

providing physical comfort

a snug cottage that's the perfect retreat for a rustic vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comfortable
• soft
• easy
• cozy
• comfy
• spacious
• cushy
• relaxing
• pleasant
• inviting
• restful
• roomy
• hospitable
• reposeful
• homely
• commodious
• intimate
• easeful
• genial
• homey
• homelike
• gemütlich

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncomfortable
• hard
• severe
• harsh
• unpleasant
• inhospitable
• uninviting

3

as in relaxed

enjoying physical comfort

while snug in our warm beds, we listened to the winter storm raging outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comfortable
• relaxed
• cozy
• comfy
• at ease
• warm
• resting
• satisfied
• pleased
• canny
• contented
• at home
• toasty
• content
• undisturbed
• peaceful
• easeful
• easygoing
• unperturbed
• untroubled
• laid-back

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncomfortable
• dissatisfied
• troubled
• disturbed
• discontented
• displeased
• agitated
• perturbed

4

as in stuck

firmly positioned in place and difficult to dislodge

make sure that all screws and nuts in the shelving unit are snug

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stuck
• tight
• jammed
• glued
• frozen
• wedged
• lodged
• embedded
• firm
• fast
• clamped
• set
• secured
• attached
• anchored
• bonded
• cemented
• fastened
• bound
• entrenched
• implanted
• impacted
• immovable
• unyielding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loose
• insecure
• detached
• unsecured
• unattached
• movable
• unbound
• undone
• freed
• loosened
• unfastened
• yielding
• dislodged

5

as in safe

providing safety

yachtsmen looking for a snug harbor in which to anchor for the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• safe
• secure
• sheltered
• protecting
• protected
• guarding
• sheltering
• guarded
• defended
• safeguarding
• shielded
• shielding
• unassailable
• invulnerable
• inviolable
• impregnable
• unconquerable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dangerous
• hazardous
• unsafe
• risky
• insecure
• perilous
• menacing
• vulnerable
• unprotected
• threatening
• uncertain
• precarious
• unguarded
• treacherous
• parlous
• undefended
• minatory

snug

2 of 2

verb

ˈsnəg 

as in to snuggle

to sit or recline comfortably or cozily

the farmhand snugged down in the hay and proceeded to go to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• snuggle
• nestle
• crouch
• curl up
• burrow
• couch
• huddle
• squat
• hunch
• hunker (down)
• scrunch
• squinch

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective snug differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of snug are comfortable, cozy, easy, and restful. While all these words mean "enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security," snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

When could comfortable be used to replace snug?

The words comfortable and snug can be used in similar contexts, 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 would cozy be a good substitute for snug?

While the synonyms cozy and snug are close in meaning, cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

When is easy a more appropriate choice than snug?

The meanings of easy and snug largely overlap; however, easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

When can restful be used instead of snug?

The words restful and snug are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of snug

Adjective

And nothing makes those moments snugger than a comfortable sweater set. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025

These are made from soft silicone and come with four different-sized tips (extra small to large) for a comfortable, snug fit. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2025

Verb

At Iowa, as Cignetti warned his team this week, stands are snug up against the sideline and the sound can be deafening, which is why quarterback Fernando Mendoza did not audible against the Hawkeyes. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

Attach a button or zipper to keep the sleeve closed, or make a sleeve with a foldable top and a clasp to keep your books snug and protected. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025