comfortable

adjective

com·​fort·​able ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl How to pronounce comfortable (audio)
ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-bəl,
ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-bəl How to pronounce comfortable (audio)
ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-bəl,
ˈkəm-fər-bəl,
ˈkəm-fə-bəl
1
a
: affording or enjoying contentment and security
a comfortable income
b
: affording or enjoying physical comfort
a comfortable chair
was too comfortable to move
2
a
: free from vexation or doubt
comfortable assumptions
Lamb was comfortable in his ignorance of what he did not choose to know.James Mason Brown
b
: free from stress or tension
a comfortable routine
stayed at a comfortable distance from the crowd
comfortableness noun
comfortably
ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-blē How to pronounce comfortable (audio)
ˈkəm(p)(f)-tə-blē
ˈkəm(p)-fər-tə-blē
ˈkəm(p)-fə-tə-blē
ˈkəm-fər-blē
ˈkəm-fə-blē
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for comfortable

comfortable, cozy, snug, easy, restful mean enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security.

comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

Examples of comfortable in a Sentence

These shoes aren't very comfortable for walking. I can't seem to find a comfortable position in this chair. Are you comfortable enough in that chair? The nurse turned the patient on his side and asked him if he was comfortable. I was just getting comfortable when the phone rang. They stayed at a comfortable distance from the crowd. He has a comfortable job. She makes a comfortable living as a journalist. They enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Recent Examples on the Web Hot sleepers and combination sleepers (especially those who flop between their backs and sides) should find this mattress more than comfortable. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024 These wide-leg pants are so comfortable, thanks to their silky-soft fabric and drapey fit. Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 That only comes from a place of them feeling comfortable. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024 Costume Comfort Lists: Many online resources provide recommendations for comfortable costumes that minimize sensory discomfort. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comfortable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comfortable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English comfortable, confortable "invigorating, encouraging, consoling, pleasant, agreeable," borrowed from Anglo-French confortable "comforting, encouraging," from conforter "to strengthen, encourage, comfort entry 1" + -able -able

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of comfortable was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near comfortable

Cite this Entry

“Comfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfortable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

comfortable

adjective
1
: giving comfort
especially : providing physical comfort
a comfortable chair
2
: more than adequate
a comfortable income
3
: enjoying comfort : at ease
are you comfortable?
comfortableness noun
comfortably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on comfortable

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