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

He was knocked into the consolation brackets after he was teched by Barr for the second time this year. —Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Sanderson, who is in his 17th season at Penn State, could clinch his 13th national title as soon as the consolation round. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026

Death, suffering, and consolation are treated with quiet simplicity. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

Brunson captained the 2023 FIBA World Cup team that did not medal and finished fourth behind Germany, Serbia and Canada, who the Americans lost to in the third-place consolation game. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 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