consoling 1 of 3

Definition of consolingnext
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
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
But neighbors in the tent encampment ushered Lolita away from the scene of violence, consoling and protecting her – just as Cornelius did for her years ago. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025 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 studies show that while AI has at least some capacity to display empathy, people still prefer consoling messages from other humans. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025 On one occasion, backup goalkeeper Matt Turner, seated to Pulisic’s right, put his left arm around Pulisic and patted his back, consoling him. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025 Thomson also talked about all the Phillies players consoling Kerkering after the game. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The issue is whether the focus remains, as promised, on celebrating the team’s victories (or consoling their defeats). Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025 Montgomery suffered a season-ending injury on Sunday, announcing the news of his impending surgery by posting a picture of Sonic consoling a crying Knuckles on his Instagram story. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Adjective
  • The absence of a spike in unemployment claims, at least, was reassuring, Torres noted, while an energy sector recovery or other factors could still theoretically push Texas back toward its 2% traditional growth rate.
    Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Faced with ambiguous leadership choices, decision-makers retreat to familiar metrics and reassuring track records, mistaking backward-looking evidence for forward-looking insight.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ginger Tea Ginger tea is a warm, comforting tea best known for its digestive health benefits.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Yet instead of assessing potential, curiosity, and capacity for growth, many firms default to familiar résumés, recognizable career paths, and comforting track records.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To make the Olympics that way, though, by the appointment of a committee, felt like a consolation to him.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
  • By contrast, Barry got a consolation for the hosts, his third goal of the season, after Beto had also taken advantage of a Jack Grealish cross to signal brief comeback hopes.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sue Glass Redondo Beach Hope everyone had a nice relaxing offseason.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Onboard/Offboard is a series that explores the can't-miss highlights of our favorite cruises—from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up.
    Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Obviously, the state has a vested interest in assuring that there’s plenty of electricity available to power this major tax-generating sector.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Carmelo preached patience, assuring Kiyan his time would come.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • These statements are meant to give workers reassurance that AI won’t completely replace people, highlighting an irreplaceable human trait that the technology supposedly cannot acquire.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • At the Embassy, Rubio spoke to staffers in the courtyard and could do little more than try to offer reassurance.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Make Minimalism Your Own For some people, blank white walls are a calming and relaxing sight.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Magnesium has a calming effect in addition to relieving tight or achy muscles, while argan, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils set out to deeply nourish and soften skin.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Per fans, the formula yields a younger-looking complexion in mere weeks, and envelops even the most sensitive skin types in soothing hydration.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Luckily, there's a wellspring of soothing moisturizers and thick body creams on the market that target the symptoms of eczema and ease flare-ups.
    Deanna Pai, Allure, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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