consoling 1 of 3

as in comforting
the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering the responsibility for the consoling of the families of the firefighters fell to the mayor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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consoling

2 of 3

adjective

consoling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of console

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 consoling
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 Miller, who said the plan for the team was to keep playing next season, even without access to the state playoffs, tried to offer consoling words. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
Seeing Kat and Kayley do their make-up together in the crew mess gives her the perfect opportunity to ask shirtless Coop for a consoling hug. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 This analogy is strangely anticlimactic and almost consoling, but a pedestrian ending comes with the territory in a scrupulously realistic book about the inconceivable. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 Certainly, the consoling notion surfaced quickly among the Chiefs after their 28-21 loss to Buffalo on Sunday at Highmark Stadium. — Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
That gave way to sadness and the responsibility of consoling distraught students. — Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The trailer has shots of medical staff treating screaming and severely injured patients, performing chest compressions and Robby consoling a grieving family member who received some tragic news. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Instead of consoling Messi, his Argentine teammates were embroiled in a brawl. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Embolo left the pitch appearing to cry, as teammates and coaches tried consoling him. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026 The hopeful part of this docu comes from its revelations about other methods, more environmentally friendly and actually consoling for those left behind. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 July 2026 Prior to the trophy ceremony following the match, de Minaur was seen sitting next to Fokina consoling him after yet another brutal loss. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 June 2026 They could be seen hugging and consoling each other. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 19 May 2026 The outlet reported family members were seen embracing and consoling one another. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Noun
  • But the consolations of art do not depend on achievement, and that might be Kingsolver’s most direct riposte to her critics.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In these cases, a president can act as a moral force, particularly in consolation.
    — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For much of our evolutionary history, the sounds of birds going about their business may have been a reassuring signal that the surrounding environment was free of danger.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Quarterback Kyle McCord’s Dolphins career began with a very reassuring message from the team’s general manager.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • There’s something comforting about a slow cooker working quietly on the counter.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But that reassurance may become harder to sustain as pressure builds on Russia’s war machine, and the Kremlin vows to press ahead with achieving its military objectives in Ukraine, whatever the cost.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • McCarty began the news conference by attempting to offer some reassurance about public safety in Lavender Heights.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 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
  • Few things are more relaxing than enjoying the outdoors in a rocking chair (doing that with a side of leaf peeping just puts a cherry on top).
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lee teased the partnership over the summer at San Diego Comic-Con, assuring the audience in Hall H that the DC IP would be in good hands with the Stuart team.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Spencer Jones was batting with two outs in the eighth when Toronto lost to Detroit, assuring New York of at least an AL wild card berth.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The film’s soundtrack, composed of lots of love songs, is like a calming anthem for the Alpha Gang.
    — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Chamomile and snow mushroom extract offer both a hydrating and calming effect.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As a result, the spirits are crafted with a key ingredient of manuka honey that helps protect the throat paired alongside more soothing botanicals such as bee pollen and chamomile.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The interiors are soothing greys and blues, with touches of silver, and art depicts icebergs and seascapes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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