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
-
Indeed, Hole is not the most reassuring detective.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
-
For many residents, the announcement is both reassuring and incomplete.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The rescue dog from Huntington Beach, California, who worked as a dedicated therapy dog comforting veterans, was a five-time dog surfing world champion and was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2024, according to the Surfers' Hall of Fame website.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For quite some time, the repetitive daily schedule was comforting for a methodical person such as myself.—
Des Moines Register,
Des Moines Register,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Undaunted, Tildsley rallied to capture consolation wins over Daniel Krutules of Georgia (9-3 decision), Israel Acosta of Washington (9-4 decision) and Noah Bull of Utah (15-1).—
Barry Scanlon,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The consolation of an evening mint tea and hookah was precious to those stalked by fear all day.—
Daniel Brook,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Few things can ruin a relaxing afternoon outdoors faster than an uninvited wasp buzzing around your head.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The cocooning effect is helped along by Jacques Garcia’s interiors, layered with taupes and burgundies, velvet and lacquer (and some 6,000 meters of damask silk thrown in the mix), into a hideaway that’s both ornate and relaxing.—
Lindsey Tramuta,
Robb Report,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bono shared a note with fans, once again assuring them that a new album is still in the works, and that these EPs are side detours on the way to a wholly separate full-length.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Pelle Larsson added 20 points and a career-high 10 rebounds for Miami (40-36), which kept some realistic hope of getting out of the play-in tournament range — or at least getting into one of the top two spots and therefore assuring itself two chances of making the playoffs — alive with the win.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Social butterfly Venus is reaching from your reassurance zone to square powerhouse Pluto, currently in your sign!—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Things turned sour despite reassurances that the data center would generate $5 million in annual revenue to support park maintenance, libraries and repairs without raising residential taxes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The whole vibe is so considered and so calming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Some people are looking for something social; others want something functional and calming.—
Jeff Burkhart,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This Burt’s Bees set has six travel-sized mani-pedi essentials, including a soothing foot cream and buttery hand salve that protects dry, chapped skin.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Combining a sound machine with a comfortable bedroom setup can mimic the soothing experience of being outdoors in a safe, dry tent during a rainstorm, providing both comfort and sensory grounding, according to Gorovoy.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consoling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consoling. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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