consoling

American

[kuhn-soh-ling] / kənˈsoʊ lɪŋ /

adjective

alleviating or lessening grief, sorrow, or disappointment; giving comfort.

He gave his companion a consoling clap on the shoulder.
The consoling power of the book arises not so much from the humor as from the detail with which the author renders his world.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of consoling

consol(e) ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Vocabulary lists containing consoling

Umberto Eco (1932-2016) Tribute List

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Days after Kirk’s death, Marx posted photos of himself consoling Kirk’s widow, Erika; he announced he was considering a run for governor at a memorial service for Kirk.

From Slate • Jun. 29, 2026

Career coach Gina Riley has been impersonated several times and sometimes finds herself consoling people who falsely believed she contacted them with a golden opportunity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“I can tell you there is no consoling that family at this point,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He claimed that he began consoling a crying Minaj, only for her to start yelling at him.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

Summer had a box of tissues in her hands and was consoling her.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023