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
-
However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Relations to those who are close to you are warm and reassuring.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
From sheet pan nachos, comforting soups, and bright pastas there's for every taste bud on a time crunch.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
-
From orphans to widows, thousands of Armenians have found nourishment from this community protagonist, who is still comforting children who habitually ration their birthday cake.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The consolation is that neither nailed down the role.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
While this loss has gutted so many, Klein finds some consolation in the legacy his wife of 23 years left behind.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
This left zero time for serendipity — or just plain relaxing.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If the massive field of Democratic candidates for California governor spread their voters too thin in the June primary, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco could both advance to November’s general election, assuring a Republican governor of the state.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Bono shared a note with fans, once again assuring them that a new album is still in the works, and that these EPs are side detours on the way to a wholly separate full-length.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the breach of trust here is likely to need more than reassurances from Cupich, as esteemed as the cardinal is by most Catholics.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
This becomes more serious in romantic settings, where a persona optimized for reassurance may encourage dependency.—
Tamilla Triantoro,
The Conversation,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Its calming, subtly sweet and earthy-yet-spicy fragrance changes the dynamic of any room.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Herbal options like chamomile may offer mild calming effects as well.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Part of the Nordic ESS Group collection of hotels, Rox meshes soothing Scandinavian minimalism with a welcome moodiness.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Supplements made with arnica have excellent reputations for relieving arthritis pain, soothing sore muscles and accelerating healing for bruises and sprains.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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