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

Two late efforts from Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder put his team through as Romelu Lukaku grabbed a goal of little consolation. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Cinematographer Robert Kolodny’s camera watches from afar as Ryan embraces his pal out in an open field, providing comfort and consolation in this hour of need. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026

While still up roughly 8% year to date, that's little consolation, because the stock entered 2026 on the slide. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Perhaps chalking the loss up to an off-shooting night serves as a consolation for the Liberty in a matchup where everything else went wrong. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 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