solace

1 of 2

verb

so·​lace ˈsä-ləs How to pronounce solace (audio)
 also  ˈsō-
solaced; solacing

transitive verb

1
: to give comfort to in grief or misfortune : console
2
a
: to make cheerful
b
: amuse
3
: allay, soothe
solace grief
solacement
ˈsä-ləs-mənt How to pronounce solace (audio)
 also  ˈsō-
noun
solacer noun

solace

2 of 2

noun

1
: comfort in grief : alleviation of grief or anxiety
2
: a source of relief or consolation

Did you know?

Take Solace in This Word Origin

Solace is a 14th century borrowing from Latin by way of Anglo-French. Its Latin ancestor solari means “to console.” (Solari itself is from the Greek word hilaros, meaning “cheerful”—also source, of course, of hilarious.) Solace is not related to solar (that comes from Latin sol by way of solaris), but it is a close relation of console (“to try to make (someone) feel less sadness or disappointment”) and consolation (“something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.”). In addition to its noun function, solace can be used as a verb (“he was solaced by the company of his children”). For those of you who take solace in knowing the more obscure members of our vast language, we are pleased to also present solacer (“one who solaces”) and solacement (“an act of solacing or the condition of being solaced”).

Examples of solace in a Sentence

Verb Solaced by an abundance of whisky, champagne and cigars, he always bounced back, restoring and recreating himself through intensely active immersion in one or another of his varied interests … Robert Kuttner, New York Times Book Review, 23 Oct. 1988
In this deplorable state, I contrived to do, what I take to have been, three Objective things. I got Mr. Franklin his sherry; I retired to my own room; and I solaced myself with the most composing pipe of tobacco I ever remember to have smoked in my life. Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone, 1868
… and it was settled that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper … Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813
counselors did their best to solace the bereaved children I solaced myself with a book while I waited for the bus. Noun Think your city's suffering? Imagine if your favorite team bolted town after 41 seasons, not for some cosmopolitan burg but a dusty outpost where oil derricks qualify as urban skyline. Now imagine turning to your city's other teams for solace only to find each to be avert-your-eyes abysmal. Chris Ballard, Sports Illustrated, 10 Nov. 2008
It's important to explain what's going on, but some parents tell their child too much—about being lonely and frightened, about dates they're going on. Instead of the parent offering emotional solace to the child, the child is expected to provide it for the adult. People, 4 Mar. 2002
Poe's poem is a morbidly sentimental threnody on the same theme: the speaker blames the envious angels for taking his beloved from this world, and finds solace in lying beside her grave. David Lodge, The Art of Fiction, 1992
Her presence was a great solace for me. the kind words brought a little solace to the grieving widow
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Since then, the opera house – though in so many places the art form is dismissed as an elitist art form with little relevance to today’s challenges and mindsets – has emerged as an immanent pole of strength, support, and solace for a city living under the clouds of war and aggression. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2023 The Chicago Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since 1945, but there’s not even solace in that. David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2023 Having left her 1-year-old daughter, Millicent, in Washington with her parents, Mabel solaced herself with the bustle of dinners, carriage rides, musicales and games of whist mainly organized by the town’s eminent couple, Susan and Austin Dickinson. Brenda Wineapple, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2018
Noun
Mariam, distraught by her mother’s foolishness, finds solace in a secret romance with a fellow student, Asad. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 But still, just like the relaxing breeze of the eastern shore oceans on Thanksgiving Day, Thurston found solace away from blue screens and in nature. Tonya Abari, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Like everyone else during the pandemic, Paul Giamatti found solace on Zoom. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 From solitary travelers finding solace to lovers entwined in intimate whispers, each vignette reflects facets of human existence. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Jam Master Jay's family has found solace after a verdict was reached in his murder trial. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Riding with friends is social; riding solo brings solace. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2024 Force quit on Mac When the spinning rainbow wheel appears on your computer, take solace in the fact there’s an easy way to force quit on your computer, too. USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2024 Their love is not only one that is growing but healing, where both have found solace in each other’s embrace, mending the wounds that life inevitably brings. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English solas, from Anglo-French, from Latin solacium, from solari to console

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solace was in the 13th century

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Dictionary Entries Near solace

Cite this Entry

“Solace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solace. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

solace

1 of 2 noun
so·​lace ˈsäl-əs How to pronounce solace (audio)
 also  ˈsōl-
1
: comfort in times of grief or worry
2
: something that gives comfort

solace

2 of 2 verb
solaced; solacing
1
: to give solace to : console
2
: to make cheerful

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