comforting 1 of 3

comforting

2 of 3

noun

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

comforting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of comfort

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 comforting
Adjective
While some people say their sleep is disrupted, others find pets comforting. — Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 The plush, balm-meets-mask formula coats lips in a comforting layer that keeps moisture from escaping overnight, with hyaluronic acid, minerals, and antioxidant-rich Berry Mix Complex helping soften dry, flaky skin. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026 Big emotional moments are punctuated by striking shots of fiery, mountainside sunsets and comforting, homestead greenery. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026 Ina Garten’s comforting recipes have long been a source of warmth during challenging times. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026 But here, too, Wladyka stumbles, opting for a comforting but pat ending about how dance and art enliven so many lives. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Jump to recipe A comforting yet simple dinner is always welcome, but even more so when it’s made in one pot! — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 What a Blessing Bakery For a comforting Southern breakfast, What a Blessing Bakery hits the spot. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026 To sort of have that guarantee that people really care about something is really comforting as an actor and really exciting. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
That means the baby’s crib or bassinet can be next to the parents’ bed, which makes feeding and comforting easier, but the baby should sleep on a separate surface. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 The food is a mixed bag—ranging from comforting to unimpressive to genuinely delicious, in the case of Or’esh, which was the clear standout. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 Soup and Salad Toppers Sauerkraut adds tangy, salty flavor to both fresh salads and comforting soups while providing gut-healthy probiotics. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 23 Sep. 2026 There’s something comforting about a slow cooker working quietly on the counter. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026 After comforting a fearful, wounded Wuornos, a door opens to nothing but bright light, and the three walk through it. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026 Sacramento’s popular Arden Fair mall is getting a new dining spot that serves up comforting dim sum. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026 That chole with poori is easily my favorite dish, the chickpeas comforting yet powerful, and the bread a demonstration of exquisite technique. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comforting
Adjective
  • What is encouraging about the Guardians is that all of their runs in that game came from hits that stayed in the yard.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Still, there were encouraging signs from the offense, particularly in the running game.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • If your idea of a relaxing fall weekend does not involve joining everybody else in America at the Smokies, Bowron also offered a more under-the-radar option.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, according to a ranking from vape retailer Vape and Go, Tallinn, Estonia, is Europe’s most relaxing metro for travelers in 2026.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But despite the reassurances from Russia's government, the lack of any clear explanation for Shiplova's death has left rumors to swirl about what might have killed her, and what work might be underway at the Russian research center.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • What Could Be Next Expect the diet-odor conversation to keep expanding on three fronts over the coming months, and expect each one to carry a practical choice for readers who want results, not reassurance.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But this amuse-bouche of live music, performed by real people in real time and a real space, before a real crowd, felt reassuring in the most profound way.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The property had inked deals with recognizable retail brands, which looked reassuring on a leasing roster but weren’t sufficiently compelling to change local shopping patterns.
    — Elie Rieder, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The best way to keep that rush flowing throughout the season is to have a rewarding year.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But equally rewarding are works by artists who are still being discovered, who haven’t already secured their place in art history.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On the upside, the villas are one of the more soothing spots for a mild hangover.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Shopping, usually a soothing balm for me, got somewhat frustrating.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Also somewhat consoling is the ongoing investigation by the FBI.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As such, Pinheiro was correct in reversing his original decision, leaving Embolo in tears and in need of consoling by team-mates.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Reed, among the first to defect to LIV Golf in 2022, chose not to renew his LIV contract this year and leads the European tour points list, assuring him a return to the PGA Tour next year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, First Selectwoman Vicki Tesoro has been assuring residents that the change wouldn’t create the massive power and water usage associated with modern jumbo data centers.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comforting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comforting. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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