comfort
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for comfort, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use comfort
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French confort, ultimately from Late Latin confortare ("to strengthen greatly"). It gradually replaced the older Old English word frofor.
Full origin of comfort →Frequently asked questions
What does “comfort” mean?
The word “comfort” means a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry. In plain terms, physical ease, or the emotional relief someone gives you when you're upset.
How do you pronounce “comfort”?
“Comfort” is pronounced KUHM-fuht (/ˈkʌm.fɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “comfort” in a sentence?
Here is “comfort” used in a sentence: “After the long hike, the comfort of a warm bed felt incredible.”
What is another word for “comfort”?
Words with a similar meaning to “comfort” include besoothe, cheer, console, solace and soothe.
What is the opposite of “comfort”?
The opposite of “comfort” — its antonyms — are hurt and vex.
What part of speech is “comfort”?
Depending on how it is used, “comfort” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “comfort” come from?
The word “comfort” comes from Late Latin. From Old French confort, ultimately from Late Latin confortare ("to strengthen greatly"). It gradually replaced the older Old English word frofor.
Is “comfort” a common word?
“Comfort” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between comfort and comfortable?
Comfort is a noun naming the state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry, while comfortable is the adjective describing something that provides or feels that ease. A chair gives you comfort; the chair itself is comfortable. Comfort can also work as a verb, meaning to soothe or console someone.
What are the different types of comfort?
Comfort comes in several forms. Physical comfort is bodily ease — warmth, rest, and an absence of pain. Emotional comfort is reassurance and calm during distress. Material comfort refers to the possessions and conditions that make life easy. The word covers both the feeling itself and the things that create it.
Can comfort be used as a verb?
Yes. As a verb, to comfort someone means to ease their grief, worry, or distress by offering warmth, reassurance, or kindness. You might comfort a crying child or a grieving friend. The noun names the state of ease, while the verb names the act of giving that ease to another person.
What is the opposite of comfort?
The main opposite is discomfort — a state of physical unease, mild pain, or awkwardness. Depending on the sense, other antonyms include distress, hardship, and suffering. Where comfort suggests warmth and ease, its opposites point to strain, tension, or difficulty, whether in the body, the surroundings, or the emotions.