consoling 1 of 3

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

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consoling

2 of 3

adjective

consoling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of console

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 consoling
Noun
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 Miller, who said the plan for the team was to keep playing next season, even without access to the state playoffs, tried to offer consoling words. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
This analogy is strangely anticlimactic and almost consoling, but a pedestrian ending comes with the territory in a scrupulously realistic book about the inconceivable. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 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
Verb
Instead of consoling Messi, his Argentine teammates were embroiled in a brawl. James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Embolo left the pitch appearing to cry, as teammates and coaches tried consoling him. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026 The hopeful part of this docu comes from its revelations about other methods, more environmentally friendly and actually consoling for those left behind. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 July 2026 Prior to the trophy ceremony following the match, de Minaur was seen sitting next to Fokina consoling him after yet another brutal loss. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 June 2026 They could be seen hugging and consoling each other. Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 19 May 2026 The outlet reported family members were seen embracing and consoling one another. Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 19 May 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Noun
  • The meager platoon was a consolation from Lord Borros, who claims to be too busy repelling the Dornish to come to his queen’s aid.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • The combativity award for his efforts on Saturday will be scant consolation.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Yet the disclosures, released in 2023, were, all in all, reassuring.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • For students feeling a bit nervous about the first day, Rich offers a reassuring reminder.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • His prose radiates an ecstatic pessimism, as if lit up from within by the relief of not having to sugarcoat things with comforting lies.
    Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Grandma gardens create a nostalgic, comforting atmosphere with layered, classic pastel-hued blooms.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The actor's limited screen time, primarily relegated to head-nodding and offering reassurance to Odysseus, has sparked memes on social media, including a Kratos spoof of her character.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The question arrives with an obvious right answer attached, usually in a moment already loaded with feeling, and people are generally motivated to give reassurance when reassurance is being requested.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Last month, the sisters were spotted enjoying a relaxing day out on a yacht in Italy to mark Antonia’s 55th birthday.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Louise Watley Library will host a break from the heat in the form of a relaxing coloring program geared toward all ages several times throughout the month.
    Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Her first ally is Oona (Bo Bragason), a loud, flirtatious Brit who teaches Annie to operate a motorboat by assuring her that steering it is just like giving a hand job.
    Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
  • Middleton emphasized the personal impact of such decisions, while also assuring that Thomson retains a place within the organization.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The songs on the album felt like intricate lullabies with a beautiful, calming, druggy sweetness to them.
    Liza Lentini, SPIN, 31 July 2026
  • Cherries and bananas rank among the most calming foods to eat before bed.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Think soothing sand-and-cream hues, sleek furnishings and oversized windows that make the sea feel like part of the décor.
    Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Performed beneath a continuous gentle rain of warm seawater, this experience combines mineral-rich marine exposure and thermal comfort soothing aching muscles along the way and quieting the mind.
    Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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