consonant

adjective

ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)nənt How to pronounce consonant (audio)
Definition of consonantnext
1
as in symmetrical
having the parts agreeably related the temples and palaces of ancient Greece are among the most consonant buildings in architectural history

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in consistent
not having or showing any apparent conflict his gentle behavior is consonant with his expressed belief in pacifism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 consonant Researchers at Carleton University found that people with names like Renee, Liam or Noelle—which include soft, flowing consonant sounds—were more likely to be favored for certain roles over people with names like Greta, Tate or Krista, whose names contain harsher sounds. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025 The result is a slowly shifting kaleidoscope of bright, consonant sound, which, with its pointed title, easily digestible concept, and improvisatory spirit, was also a rejection of the cerebral atonality then in vogue. — William Robin, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025 Where the republic’s hypocrisy fed its fatal weakness, corruption, the Taliban’s unabashed brutality was consonant with the movement’s strength, its unity. — Matthieu Aikins Victor J. Blue Peter Ganim Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 22 May 2024 These would then subside into subdued textures marked by consonant harmonies. — Dallas News, 23 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for consonant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consonant
  1. symmetrical
  2. consistent
  3. harmonic
  4. compatible
  5. balanced
  6. elegant
  7. aesthetic
  8. pleasing
Adjective
  • The film’s symmetrical compositions, the careful placement of characters within these distinctive spaces, all serve to create a sense of immovable social hierarchy and repression.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Much psychological research has focussed on the degradation of villains, but a symmetrical force works to elevate victims.
    — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of symmetrical
Adjective
  • Rooms The design of the rooms is really well done and consistent throughout.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Risk messages must be consistent, culturally sensitive and practical.
    — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of consistent
Adjective
  • Ziggy Marley was headlining the show with Burning Spear, and the air was thick with the sound of harmonic lineage.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But at times, the caliber of their technical and harmonic choices sounds arty and sophisticated.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • TobenONE is compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops, and also supports different laptop screen sizes.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Ultimately, the socialist vision of more investment in public housing and greater regulation of private housing can be compatible with developers building more private housing, Sunkara argued.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of compatible
Adjective
  • While spaghetti squash may elicit a lower blood sugar response than acorn squash, both can fit into a balanced lifestyle that supports blood sugar levels.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The administration made the fiscally responsible decision to incorporate these proceeds into its supplemental pension payment as part of a balanced budget that also maintains funding for critical services and neighborhood investments.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of balanced
Adjective
  • The result feels less like a reinvention and more like a continuation—a thoughtful, elegant bridge between old and new.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But a mysterious man, an eccentric boss, and an otherworldly, elegant hotel lead to a resolution.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The concealer lips revival itself borrows from an early 2000s look, which hints that the muted aesthetic may resurface in new forms even if these specific labels disappear from feeds.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But the fall and winter hair trends—with the help of Ortega—show a shift happening in the opposite direction, embracing a much more relaxed and carefree aesthetic.
    — María Diez, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of aesthetic
Adjective
  • Paired with a convincing lead turn by Best, as well as moving work from Gourrier and especially Joseph, the earnest series overcomes its stock biopic structure to linger with viewers in a manner more pleasing than disbelieving.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Morris Marina-like door handles open with a pleasing mechanical action.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of pleasing

Browse Nearby Words

consonancy
consonant
consort
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Cite this Entry

“Consonant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consonant. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on consonant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consonant

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