1
as in encouraging
making one feel good inside
the comforting smell of fresh bread
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a long comforting soak in a hot bath
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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
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as in reassuring
to ease the grief or distress of
the first responders did their best to comfort the victims of the terrible tornado
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of comforting
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
In those cases, soft lighting, quiet music, or a comforting scent can make the space feel safer.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
The local cuisine is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting tradition.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
There's a comforting aspect to it.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
In ice cream form, sticky toffee is accomplished by pairing a butterscotch ice cream with tender pieces of pear cake, echoing the warm, nostalgic flavors of the classic dessert with a comforting, seasonal twist.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
With comforting views of the lake enjoyed from every table, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
—Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
With one location already in Tustin, Manaao Thai Comfort Food, which, as its name suggests, specializes in hearty and comforting Thai fare, will come to the Irvine Spectrum Center sometime this year.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
For most people with back pain, especially side sleepers, a medium-firm mattress should adequately support the spine while also comforting the body.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
How To Store Raw Winter Squash Winter squash are delicious and versatile, perfect for all sorts of comforting dishes.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Gray-haired parents, teenagers and members of the police were seen comforting one another during the service, which took place at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Crans-Montana.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
This silky, nostalgic, and comforting pudding is a dreamy dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
—Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
Pumpkin Pie Trader Joe’s is offering their own version of a mouthwatering pumpkin pie, comforting pumpkin custard filled with sweet and spicy flavors.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Whether for the potluck, the cookout, or a Wednesday night dinner with your family, these Southern side dishes are comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing.
—Verb
Le’s comforting Thai dishes can now be found at the food truck at Burial Beer in Plaza Midwood.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for comforting
Adjective
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The start of the second half was encouraging for the Heat, which cut the deficit to seven points multiple times in the third quarter.—
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The experience gave each child a chance to practice communication and reading skills in a warm and encouraging atmosphere.—
Adjective
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Try these for winter gatherings, special celebrations, or simply a relaxing break from the cold.—
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From navigation and communication to refrigeration and remote work, losing power on the road can quickly turn a relaxing trip into a stressful situation.—
Noun
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Soon, however, Bennett was the one seeking reassurance.—
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Housing offers little reassurance.—
Verb
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Witkoff had indicated progress in talks about protecting and reassuring Ukraine.—
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Recent progress in talks Witkoff had indicated progress in talks about protecting and reassuring Ukraine.—
Adjective
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Growing an apple tree indoors is rewarding because the right dwarf variety, pot, and care can give you fresh fruit year-round.—
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Make Room for Fun Trying new or unfamiliar varieties can be the most rewarding part of seed shopping.—
Adjective
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These are the bad bathroom layouts keeping your space from feeling like a sanctuary, and designers are sharing how to switch things up for a much more soothing space.—
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Warm, soothing, and comforting – chicken soup is really good for the soul.—
Verb
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Obviously, the state has a vested interest in assuring that there’s plenty of electricity available to power this major tax-generating sector.—
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Carmelo preached patience, assuring Kiyan his time would come.—
Adjective
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What better month to hunker down, swathed in a cozy sweater, with a warm drink and a good book in hand, than January?—
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Frisbee recounts feeling bathed in warm light and then having had a vision of himself leading thousands of hippies into the Pacific Ocean to be baptized.—
Cite this Entry
“Comforting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comforting. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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