CONSOLATION Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

consolation

noun

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of consolation

as in comforting

the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in relief

a feeling of ease from grief or trouble the consolation that our favorite foods give us when we're having a bad day

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 consolation 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 The two options create different experiences around the same dish without treating the alcohol-free pairing as a consolation. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Even the bronze medal match, a consolation for the semifinal losers, was thrilling. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consolation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consolation

Noun

That could provide some reassurance that young people engaging in innocent or small-group activities wouldn’t get swept up in enforcement.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Porges said Kapoor deliberately built trust with him by extending social invitations and repeatedly offering reassurances.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of reassurance

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

Definition of consoling

Noun

Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
The Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats were designed with comfort in mind.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of comfort

Noun

In general, the Latinos surveyed put more trust in what Democrats might bring to the state than Republicans, but Madrid warned that Democrats should not take too much solace in these findings.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Fortunately, even those who are only able to shop for older and higher-mileage rides can take solace in the fact that today’s vehicles are engineered to last longer than ever.

— Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of solace

Noun

Angela recalled him providing clothing, shoes and money to people experiencing homelessness, along with the words of encouragement that came naturally to him.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As captured by a parent, a note that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sent to its graduates includes kind words and encouragement from the star.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

These proposals, many times rooted in sympathy and love, were presented as alternatives to the political structures and market logic that had so often led to war, exploitation, hopelessness, and suffering.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The glories of some former age may be lamented, and our sympathies directed to parties judged righteous or wronged.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Browse Nearby Words

consociational

consolation

consolations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Consolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consolation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of consolation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on consolation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes