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
-
The less-than-reassuring comments came hours after Iran launched fresh drone attacks that hit at least two oil tankers in the Gulf, setting the giant ships ablaze.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
That’s not very reassuring, for stock markets or anyone else.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
10 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
-
Brunson captained the 2023 FIBA World Cup team that did not medal and finished fourth behind Germany, Serbia and Canada, who the Americans lost to in the third-place consolation game.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Still, at least the algorithm’s continuing inconsistencies are of some consolation.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Designed for both entertaining and relaxing, Contigo offers multiple indoor and outdoor lounge spaces across her decks.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Taking public transportation to work can be a relaxing and pleasant experience if the options are clean, reliable, and safe.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kennedy responded to Healey’s X post with one of his own on Thursday, assuring Healey and Bay State residents that Dunkin’ is not going anywhere.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Several homeless residents have also filed complaints against San Jose, accusing the city of lacking due process and even deliberately destroying thousands of dollars’ worth of items even while assuring the owners that their belongings were safe.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Still, survivors and advocates say that reassurance matters.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
For many families, this adds another layer of reassurance when younger riders need transportation.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With the former sitting at a prestige price point and the latter no longer on shelves, many fragrance fans have been left searching for new ways to get their fix of the calming, slightly creamy green tea note.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Scheider is usually the calming referee, especially important when interchanges between the other two threaten to get physical.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The design blends in seamlessly with the natural landscape, crafted in rich woods and soothing earth tones.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
-
There’s a hot tub outside as well as a compact indoor sauna (top-notch for soothing weary muscles).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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