as in comforting
the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering
the responsibility for the consoling of the families of the firefighters fell to the mayor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in reassuring
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in assuring
to ease the grief or distress of
the military officer who must console the bereaved at a soldier's funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of consoling
Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025
In a way, that’s a consoling thought.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Joe Prince-Wright, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026
State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Despite nearly losing his business, Schoen’s main goal that day — and ever since — has been helping and consoling other victims, his daughter said.
—Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
This warm, consoling meal comes together in no time.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Heads hung low, players consoling one another or screaming obscenities at no one in particular, the care factor off the charts.
—Mirjam Swanson The Orange County Register, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
Erivo appeared to yell at him before shifting his focus solely to consoling Grande, who was ushered away from the carpet.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
Many of the players lingered on the field for long minutes after the game, consoling each other or talking to friends and family.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Certainly, the consoling notion surfaced quickly among the Chiefs after their 28-21 loss to Buffalo on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
—Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025
In a way, that’s a consoling thought.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
The close-ups of the fans who did stay in pain, looking away in disgust and consoling one another, were powerful.
—Joe Prince-Wright, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026
State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Despite nearly losing his business, Schoen’s main goal that day — and ever since — has been helping and consoling other victims, his daughter said.
—Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
This warm, consoling meal comes together in no time.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Heads hung low, players consoling one another or screaming obscenities at no one in particular, the care factor off the charts.
—Mirjam Swanson The Orange County Register, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
Erivo appeared to yell at him before shifting his focus solely to consoling Grande, who was ushered away from the carpet.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
Many of the players lingered on the field for long minutes after the game, consoling each other or talking to friends and family.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Adjective
-
To a Jew, this is hardly reassuring.—
Joshua M. Davidson,
New York Daily News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
It’s perhaps meant to be a reassuring image, especially for those who continue to believe that an informed opinion about art is still essential to our culture.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
No, a restaurant where conviviality flows like a broken water main, and the food is rich, comforting and detonating with flavor.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The Vatican released on Monday details of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming four-nation Africa tour, suggesting Christian-Muslim relations, comforting victims of violence and encouraging the Catholic community in former European colonies will be key themes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
Adjective
-
Others use kratom to self-treat chronic pain, to get a relaxing high or to self-treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
-
And for me, there’s no better detour in Europe than visiting a public bath or spa for a relaxing, good soak.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Several hundred Australian fuel stations are out of either gasoline or diesel despite Australian ministers assuring the public the market is well supplied.—
Charlene Gubash,
NBC news,
24 Mar. 2026
-
At his sentencing, Cooper recalls a prosecutor assuring her that oversight would not end with the judge’s sentence of 15 years' probation.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Because the platform is designed around real-world interaction, this additional layer of reassurance is intended to make users, particularly women, feel confident meeting new people nearby.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Chesterton Town Council member Jim Ton sought reassurance that the rules could change in the future.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Rooms Stepping into a room at The Berkeley feels like the first sip of its famed afternoon tea—calming, refreshing, and instantly soothing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Some people are looking for something social; others want something functional and calming.—
Jeff Burkhart,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The formula relies on colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient known for its soothing properties, to calm irritation while helping the skin retain moisture.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Even rice extracts contribute, delivering soothing hydration with a subtle brightening effect.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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