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
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 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
Seeing Kat and Kayley do their make-up together in the crew mess gives her the perfect opportunity to ask shirtless Coop for a consoling hug. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 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
That gave way to sadness and the responsibility of consoling distraught students. Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The trailer has shots of medical staff treating screaming and severely injured patients, performing chest compressions and Robby consoling a grieving family member who received some tragic news. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Noun
  • 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
Adjective
  • The viewer could enjoy the confrontation with the reassuring sense that watching served some larger good.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Given its recent rise in popularity, having these options on the table is likely reassuring.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This comforting mac-and-cheese dish has 10 minutes of hands-on time, and a quick salad will round out the meal.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This relatability made the plot feel relevant in a way that was both unsettling and, somehow, comforting.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As focus turns to the Fed decision, investors want reassurance that the central bank is serious about reining in inflation.
    Matt Stiles, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, what convinced many of her colleagues was the reassurance that citizens would not have decisional power; the parliament had a duty to consider their recommendations but could decide not to adopt them.
    Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Diamond Art Diamond art has gained popularity in the crafting community recently for its relaxing, repetitive tasks and professional-looking results.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That same reporting frames baking as a relaxing alternative to scrolling through social media, a task that demands presence in a way a phone does not.
    Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Spencer Jones was batting with two outs in the eighth when Toronto lost to Detroit, assuring New York of at least an AL wild card berth.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The documents released Tuesday showed city officials at the time knew conditions at the long-smoldering pit made the air there unsafe to breathe, despite repeatedly assuring New Yorkers the opposite.
    Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The film’s soundtrack, composed of lots of love songs, is like a calming anthem for the Alpha Gang.
    Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Chamomile and snow mushroom extract offer both a hydrating and calming effect.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Spacious and flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the rooms lean into a soothing palette of cool grays, warm wood accents, and pops of yellow.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The show is so cozy and soothing that the actors frequently fell asleep during takes and can be spotted snoozing in the background.
    Josh Gondelman, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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