consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce consolation (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While Allianz has indicated that its own computer systems were not hacked, that is of no consolation to the victims of this data breach as the personal information its customers and others had provided to Allianz was still readily compromised. Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 But the finding was no consolation to animal-rights activists, who freshly condemned New York City’s carriage horse industry after Lady’s death. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025 What can be dizzying about the collection is the way traditional themes of Yiddish song and Hebrew liturgy — lyrics of resilience in the face of persecution, prayers of consolation for the brokenhearted, Lamentations read on Tisha B’Av — are recast with the Palestinians as their protagonists. Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 As scarlet blood streams from the gash in my elbow and bruises begin to bloom spectacularly across my leg, my ego finds a small consolation: the blissful solitude of this trail. Jennifer Malloy, Outside, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consolation

Word History

Etymology

see console entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consolation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolation. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

consolation

noun
con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce consolation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on consolation

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