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

• comforting
• consoling
• reassurance
• solace
• solacing

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

How can a narrator who can play off Proust against Gillian Rose seriously expect to find consolation in the old myths about the baby in the manger and the man rising from death? —Book Marks june 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025

As a bit of a consolation present for a Monday evening, the Front Man dropped off a package wrapped tightly in a bow: a new teaser for the final season of Squid Game. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 May 2025

On Friday, Boise State defeated San Jose State 3-0 in the consolation final and then swept Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for the Southland championship. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2025

The only consolation is that Apple Watch users are not the only Apple customers waiting for Apple Intelligence to become useful. —Adrienne So, Wired News, 24 Apr. 2025

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