consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : comfort

She found great consolation in all the cards and letters she received.

2

: something that consoles

specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament

consolatory

kən-ˈsō-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈsä-

adjective

Synonyms of consolation

• comforting
• reassurance
• consoling
• solace
• sympathy
• compassion

Examples of consolation in a Sentence

His kind words were a consolation to me.

the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor

Recent Examples on the Web

The middle passenger gets both armrests as a small consolation. — Tricia Goss, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026

Close, however, isn’t much consolation for a franchise that keeps landing on the wrong side of the scoreboard and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Tampa Bay got some consolation in the bottom of the 9th when Chandler Simpson doubled to deep right field and brought Liam Hicks in to score. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

The fans who were in line were given free pizza as a consolation for the long wait. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see console entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consolation

• consolation prize
• if it's any consolation

Rhymes for consolation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled

2

: something that consoles

consolatory

kən-ˈsōl-ə-ˌtōr-ē, 

-sä-lə-, 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective