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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Understanding what stands in the way of event attendance is key to addressing those issues to a level that attendees can feel comfortable and confident in attending your event. Shawn Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Dogs also tend to be more comfortable with grinding than clipping. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 Her biggest hope is that others begin to feel more comfortable with grief and the healing process. Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 July 2025 In Mbeumo, United are getting a versatile, left-footed forward who is comfortable using his weaker right foot too. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for comfortable

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfortable. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on comfortable

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