Definition of restfulnext

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 Pair it with a linen closet reorganization, and the bedroom becomes a genuinely restful space again. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep. ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026 Several Panthers will play in the tournament, meaning their summer vacations won’t be completely restful. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026 How Allergies Can Affect Sleep Instead of restful sleep for the new season, many women with allergies suffer in spring because of congestion in the nose, sinuses or chest. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restful
Adjective
  • As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Once fierce rivals, the two men were responsible for the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties, after Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party defeated Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This hotel’s luxury mountain bungalows offer a quiet, peaceful retreat in the heart of the cloud forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Travelers seeking a serene Italian escape instead find traffic jams, long ferry lines and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • Outside is a serene garden under a canopy of branches weighed down by iridescent copper bells, all handmade.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Last Summer is a hard movie to shake, precisely because its placid surfaces conflict so beautifully and unnervingly with its dark heart.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The 1981 painting is abstract and minimalist, a compilation of placid shades—pink, blue, and white lines—stacked horizontally.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restful. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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