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

Bloom 8-6 (NR) Senior forward Troy Garner sparks Blazing Trojans to consolation championship at Pontiac. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

By contrast, Barry got a consolation for the hosts, his third goal of the season, after Beto had also taken advantage of a Jack Grealish cross to signal brief comeback hopes. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Dinunzio had 22 points and 13 rebounds in a 64-54 loss to Bloomfield Friday and 21 points and 17 rebounds to lead Lewis Mills to a 52-48 win in the consolation game of the Valley vs Hills Holiday Classic at Granby High Tuesday. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

Pearce lost its first game but rattled off three in a row to win the consolation bracket. —Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 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