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

His first United goal came as a consolation in a 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the end of September, his seventh appearance, and six weeks and one more goal after that, he was sidelined for a month by a knee injury. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

But like The Bad News Bears’ rangy little dirtbag on the dirtbike, there was no dishonor in the loss, even if the fans would’ve found even greater consolation in a title. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026

In fact, as opposed as Season 1, the Season 2 closer of Random Canyon did not drop any jaw-dropping cliffhangers, which would bring some consolation to fans who had invested in the series and its characters for two seasons. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

The film leaves a viewer with authentic consolations and gratifications in the rearview mirror that seemed harder to discern while moving ahead into the unknown with the sun in one’s eyes. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 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