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Definitions

consoling

[kuhn-soh-ling] / kənˈsoʊ lɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
comforting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
encouraging reassuring refreshing soothing
STRONG
abating allaying alleviating assuaging curing freeing inspiriting invigorating lightening mitigating relieving remedying restoring revitalizing revivifying softening solacing succoring sustaining tranquilizing upholding warming
WEAK
analeptic consolatory health-giving heart-warming
Antonyms
WEAK
aggravating depressing dispiriting distressing disturbing irritating upsetting worrying
ADJECTIVE
grateful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acceptable favorable good gratifying
WEAK
agreeable comforting congenial delectable delicious delightful desirable pleasant pleasurable pleasureful refreshing rejuvenating renewing restful restorative restoring satisfactory satisfying solacing welcome
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bad disagreeable
WEAK
abusive heedless mean rude thankless unappreciative ungrateful
ADJECTIVE
soothing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
calming reassuring
STRONG
alleviating easing mollifying pacifying relaxing relieving remedying softening tranquilizing warming
WEAK
consolatory palliative
NOUN
encouragement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assistance backing cheer comfort confidence consolation faith fortitude incentive inspiration optimism reassurance relief reward stimulation stimulus
STRONG
advance advocacy aid animation boost easement favor firmness helpfulness hope incitement invigoration promotion refreshment softening succor supporting trust urging
WEAK
enlivening inspiritment reassuring relieving shot in the arm solacing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
annoyance discouragement distrust doubt gloom hindrance hurt injury
STRONG
disbelief impediment
WEAK
denunciation derision deterrent

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.

"As far as I remember the defendant was upset and a lot of people were giving him hugs and consoling him."

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

I’m a big Fantasy Football person, so Monday morning is normally consoling myself with how badly Sunday has gone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

This final turn is less consoling or condemnatory than darkly revealing about our assumptions about Michaela, who's portrayed as a controlling fury for most of the story.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

“Harry—” said Hermione, stretching out a consoling hand, but he shrugged it off and walked away, his eyes on the fire Hermione had conjured.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.