consolation

noun

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce consolation (audio)
Definition of consolationnext
1
as in comforting
the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in relief
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble the consolation that our favorite foods give us when we're having a bad day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of consolation The Virginia Tech swimmer finished 17th in the preliminary round of the 500-yard freestyle, one place short of advancing to the consolation final. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 His first United goal came as a consolation in a 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the end of September, his seventh appearance, and six weeks and one more goal after that, he was sidelined for a month by a knee injury. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 But like The Bad News Bears’ rangy little dirtbag on the dirtbike, there was no dishonor in the loss, even if the fans would’ve found even greater consolation in a title. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026 In fact, as opposed as Season 1, the Season 2 closer of Random Canyon did not drop any jaw-dropping cliffhangers, which would bring some consolation to fans who had invested in the series and its characters for two seasons. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consolation
  1. reassurance
  2. relief
  3. consoling
  4. comfort
  5. solace
  6. encouragement
  7. sympathy
  8. compassion
Noun
  • But despite the reassurances from Russia's government, the lack of any clear explanation for Shiplova's death has left rumors to swirl about what might have killed her, and what work might be underway at the Russian research center.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • What Could Be Next Expect the diet-odor conversation to keep expanding on three fronts over the coming months, and expect each one to carry a practical choice for readers who want results, not reassurance.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of reassurance
Noun
  • Elsewhere, dark-wood bas reliefs and miles of Norwegian green marble (Enigma Verde Lapponia) are the handsome hallmarks of design studio Autoban (famous for London’s Duck & Rice and Baku airport’s extraordinary makeover).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • South Africa is facing growing pressure from labor unions and business groups to provide around $600 million in fuel relief, after the Iran war drove petrol prices to record highs in the continent’s biggest economy.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of relief
Noun
  • Also somewhat consoling is the ongoing investigation by the FBI.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As such, Pinheiro was correct in reversing his original decision, leaving Embolo in tears and in need of consoling by team-mates.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of consoling
Noun
  • Gen Z has grown up with recommendation engines, and the SAP data shows that comfort translates directly into purchase intent, not just browsing.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • To survive the flight home after each celebration, my plane outfit needs to maximize comfort.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of comfort
Noun
  • Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ferguson and his law partner Marcus Gould take solace in Dunkelman’s criticisms of Knobel and recognize why the judge would be hesitant to put the brakes on development.
    — Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of solace
Noun
  • Its restrictions cover suicide and self-harm promotion, eating disorder encouragement, body shaming, non-consensual intimate imagery, harassment, and animal cruelty.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The comments are all universally positive and supportive, with followers offering prayers and words of encouragement , including former athletes such as Troy Aikman, Kenny Lofton and Teemu Selane.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • More recently, Eisenkot has emerged as a figure of solidity and a focus of sympathy.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Shares of Vistra and Talen Energy were up more than 9% Tuesday in sympathy.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While introducing the film, Stan reflected on the questions of judgment and need for compassion at the heart of its story.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion

Browse Nearby Words

consociational
consolation
consolations
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Cite this Entry

“Consolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consolation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on consolation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consolation

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