consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : comfort

She found great consolation in all the cards and letters she received.

2

: something that consoles

specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament

consolatory

kən-ˈsō-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈsä-

adjective

Synonyms

• comforting
• consoling
• reassurance
• solace
• solacing

Examples of consolation in a Sentence

His kind words were a consolation to me.

the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor

Recent Examples on the Web

The Trojans did, however, rebound and take home the consolation championship with victories over Rochester Mayo on Friday and Osseo on Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. —Jon Weisbrod, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025

Not insignificant compensation, but no meaningful consolation for a historic mistake. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025

As the region slowly begins to engage in the process of rebuilding, neighborhood bookstores have become tiny beacons of light, drawing Angelenos seeking solace and consolation. —Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025

The Chargers abandoned the city, leaving season-ticket holders stunned and betrayed, without so much as even a word of consolation. —Emma Celeste, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see console entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consolation

• consolation prize
• if it's any consolation

Kids Definition

consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled

2

: something that consoles

consolatory

kən-ˈsōl-ə-ˌtōr-ē

-sä-lə-

-ˌtȯr-

adjective