1
as in encouraging
making one feel good inside
the comforting smell of fresh bread
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a long comforting soak in a hot bath
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in reassurance
the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering
the comforting of the sick has always been regarded as one of the major acts of charity
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in reassuring
to ease the grief or distress of
the first responders did their best to comfort the victims of the terrible tornado
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of comforting
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Artichoke dip is always a favorite; queso is another warm and comforting classic.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
Japanese radish is pan-fried in soy sauce until golden brown in this comforting side.
—Chihiro Tomioka, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2026
The three-course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day menu is chef-crafted to feel both elevated and comforting.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Hulu Sometimes, after a long day at work, there's nothing more comforting than watching a bunch of richer-than-rich investors squabbling over the inventions of eager entrepreneurs.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
This simple, comforting combination is perfect for guests looking for a quick and flavorful meal during Restaurant Week.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Whether that means sitting with the sadness, laughing through the awkward parts, or something that reminds you love doesn’t follow a perfect script, these Valentine’s Day movies are honest, grounding, distracting, and somewhat comforting.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Watching Malinin skate, Glenn couldn’t hide her anxiety and received comforting hugs from Bates in the Team USA box.
—Alice Park, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Starting right tackle Morgan Moses sat facing rookie tackle Will Campbell, talking to him, comforting him and lifting him up after a difficult performance.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
From orphans to widows, thousands of Armenians have found nourishment from this community protagonist, who is still comforting children who habitually ration their birthday cake.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Traditional yatai, or street food stalls, are another easy way to eat well on a budget, offering comforting classics like yakitori, ramen, tempura, and gyoza.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Each bite mixed warm and cold, crisp and smooth – an easy, comforting finish to my little taste of summer.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Butternut Ginger Soup This perfect winter soup, rich and comforting without the need for cream, offers among the highest amounts of potassium per serving.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s something comforting about returning to the films that made the genre so beloved in the first place, where misunderstandings feel harmless and happy endings are practically guaranteed.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Few meals are as comforting as pot roast.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Artichoke dip is always a favorite; queso is another warm and comforting classic.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
Japanese radish is pan-fried in soy sauce until golden brown in this comforting side.
—Chihiro Tomioka, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2026
The three-course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day menu is chef-crafted to feel both elevated and comforting.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Hulu Sometimes, after a long day at work, there's nothing more comforting than watching a bunch of richer-than-rich investors squabbling over the inventions of eager entrepreneurs.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
This simple, comforting combination is perfect for guests looking for a quick and flavorful meal during Restaurant Week.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Whether that means sitting with the sadness, laughing through the awkward parts, or something that reminds you love doesn’t follow a perfect script, these Valentine’s Day movies are honest, grounding, distracting, and somewhat comforting.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Whip up a batch of this Sriracha Chicken Noodle Soup—made with ramen and served with extra Sriracha sauce—for a warm, comforting soup with a little spice.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Watching Malinin skate, Glenn couldn’t hide her anxiety and received comforting hugs from Bates in the Team USA box.
—Alice Park, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Starting right tackle Morgan Moses sat facing rookie tackle Will Campbell, talking to him, comforting him and lifting him up after a difficult performance.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
From orphans to widows, thousands of Armenians have found nourishment from this community protagonist, who is still comforting children who habitually ration their birthday cake.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Traditional yatai, or street food stalls, are another easy way to eat well on a budget, offering comforting classics like yakitori, ramen, tempura, and gyoza.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Each bite mixed warm and cold, crisp and smooth – an easy, comforting finish to my little taste of summer.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Butternut Ginger Soup This perfect winter soup, rich and comforting without the need for cream, offers among the highest amounts of potassium per serving.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s something comforting about returning to the films that made the genre so beloved in the first place, where misunderstandings feel harmless and happy endings are practically guaranteed.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comforting
Adjective
-
Known for his playmaking and point guard skills when the Heat drafted Jakucionis with the 20th overall pick last year, his three-point shooting has been encouraging, albeit at a low volume because of his limited minutes.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
-
What’s been most encouraging is who’s leaning in.—
Brent Saunders,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
After a long, illustrious investing career, others would enjoy a relaxing retirement, but Jim is devoted to giving back to his Club Members.—
,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Ahead are 12 items to never bring on a flight, along with smart swaps that will make your next trip smoother, easier, and far more relaxing.—
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Supplements certified for sport provide additional reassurance that the product has been tested and verified for quality, purity, and safety.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This proposal also reflects feedback from Baltimore County residents who are seeking reassurance that public institutions are operating transparently and responsibly.—
Carl Jackson,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Anyone who has seen a shark fin break the water and then disappear knows this is not reassuring.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
-
At least two other Spanish-language schools in Boise sent notes to parents reassuring them that their staff members, many of whom are immigrants, all have proper documentation, according to one school’s director and a letter shared with the Statesman that was sent by another school.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Nevertheless, conversations with daily contacts will be warm and rewarding.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This ensures that our platform adheres to all legal requirements while still providing a fun and rewarding experience for all users.—
Katey Psencik,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Elsewhere, the Lotus Spa provides a soothing sanctuary and full menu of pricey treatments.—
Fran Golden,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The usually soothing nature of Amy Hood, one of my favorite CFOs, couldn't cut through the clutter.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bondi answered by assuring McBath that both cases are under investigation.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This isn’t shaping up as one of those years with a McDavid-level or even Bedard-level prospect waiting with the first pick, but in a way that’s even more incentive to tank for dead last, assuring no worse than a top-three pick in a year where that still might get you the best player.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That has come to bear in his latest effort, Junior, a gorgeous 50-seat restaurant full of warm sound and spirit.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
-
First, fill the tub with warm water and dissolve one tablet, or one-half tablet for sinks.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Comforting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comforting. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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