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

Undaunted, Tildsley rallied to capture consolation wins over Daniel Krutules of Georgia (9-3 decision), Israel Acosta of Washington (9-4 decision) and Noah Bull of Utah (15-1). —Barry Scanlon, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026

The consolation of an evening mint tea and hookah was precious to those stalked by fear all day. —Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

What that left us, as a consolation, was some high-quality early round matchups between power conference teams. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026

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

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