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
Relevance
as in reassuring
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in assuring
to ease the grief or distress of
the military officer who must console the bereaved at a soldier's funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of consoling
Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025
In a way, that’s a consoling thought.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Joe Prince-Wright, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026
State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Despite nearly losing his business, Schoen’s main goal that day — and ever since — has been helping and consoling other victims, his daughter said.
—Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
This warm, consoling meal comes together in no time.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Heads hung low, players consoling one another or screaming obscenities at no one in particular, the care factor off the charts.
—Mirjam Swanson The Orange County Register, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
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
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
The close-ups of the fans who did stay in pain, looking away in disgust and consoling one another, were powerful.
—Joe Prince-Wright, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026
State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
During the closing minutes of the women’s figure skating free skate last Thursday, the American was hugging and consoling two Japanese competitors whose results fell short of their respective expectations.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Despite nearly losing his business, Schoen’s main goal that day — and ever since — has been helping and consoling other victims, his daughter said.
—Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
This warm, consoling meal comes together in no time.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Heads hung low, players consoling one another or screaming obscenities at no one in particular, the care factor off the charts.
—Mirjam Swanson The Orange County Register, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
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 Examples of Synonyms for consoling
Adjective
-
The success of more straightforward spoofs such as Schaffer’s The Naked Gun last year is also reassuring; that film was a classic joke-a-minute throwback that largely worked (for both viewers and critics), more in line with the sort of fare that the Lonely Island made early on.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Still, keyless entry codes sent directly to your phone upon check-in add a reassuring layer of security.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The result is a more filling, comforting bowl with minimal effort.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Talking things through with them can be comforting and grounding.—
Barton Goldsmith,
AJC.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the annual Chowda Cup, Gus Greene registered a hat trick and added an assist, as Cohasset pulled away for a 9-4 victory over Scituate during a consolation match.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The top three vote-getters will receive $40,000, $33,000, and $25,000 respectively, while the remaining three finalists will each receive $5,000 consolation grants — totaling $113,000 disbursed.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Cozy Winter Lodging Any winter adventure is best capped off by a relaxing evening back at your cabin or resort.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Self-driving cars are operating commercially in some cities, and a relaxing, productive commute in an autonomous car competes for the same customer an eVTOL is trying to attract.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That grip is reinforced by a litany of electronic nannies, all of which translate to an assuring sense of control and eagerness to discover more of the Valhalla’s powerfully balletic nature.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Eric Kripke and Evan Goldberg, the executive producers on The Boys and its spin-offs, acknowledged the show’s conclusion in a statement to PEOPLE, while assuring fans that its storylines will continue elsewhere in the franchise.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Valve on Tuesday announced release details for the Steam Controller, alongside reassurances that its Steam Frame and Steam Machine gadgets are still on track for future release.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Focusing on practical reassurance?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the interiors were sophisticated, very calming, and in keeping with the stunning natural world surrounding, there was lots of wood, and lots of nooks and hammocks to bed down in and relax with a good book.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Your bathtub should feel like a calming place to unwind and enjoy an inviting soak after a long day.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Diaper rash cream, chocolate brown baby booties and throat-soothing lollipops littered the hotel bed.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There’s truly nothing better than the scent of fresh laundry and soothing lavender!—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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