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

The winner faces the winner of the earlier game between Washington State and host Chaminade on Tuesday night, with the losers of the two matchups playing in a consolation semifinal. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

The Hurricanes would then face either Georgetown or Dayton on Saturday in either the tournament’s championship or consolation game. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 23 Nov. 2025

If the Jayhawks stumble in one or both of the opening contests, there’s a chance KU would play a consolation game sometime Wednesday or even Thursday prior to heading back to Kansas. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025

However, that decline has been little consolation since the 155% rise from multiyear lows in 2020. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

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