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

In the annual Chowda Cup, Gus Greene registered a hat trick and added an assist, as Cohasset pulled away for a 9-4 victory over Scituate during a consolation match. —Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The top three vote-getters will receive $40,000, $33,000, and $25,000 respectively, while the remaining three finalists will each receive $5,000 consolation grants — totaling $113,000 disbursed. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Nothing like the durable consolations of late-life romance, but headier, more exciting and, in the worst cases, far more damaging. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

The consolation is that neither nailed down the role. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 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