consonant

adjective

ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)nənt How to pronounce consonant (audio)
Definition of consonantnext
1
as in symmetrical
having the parts agreeably related the temples and palaces of ancient Greece are among the most consonant buildings in architectural history

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in consistent
not having or showing any apparent conflict his gentle behavior is consonant with his expressed belief in pacifism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of consonant Researchers at Carleton University found that people with names like Renee, Liam or Noelle—which include soft, flowing consonant sounds—were more likely to be favored for certain roles over people with names like Greta, Tate or Krista, whose names contain harsher sounds. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025 The result is a slowly shifting kaleidoscope of bright, consonant sound, which, with its pointed title, easily digestible concept, and improvisatory spirit, was also a rejection of the cerebral atonality then in vogue. — William Robin, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025 Where the republic’s hypocrisy fed its fatal weakness, corruption, the Taliban’s unabashed brutality was consonant with the movement’s strength, its unity. — Matthieu Aikins Victor J. Blue Peter Ganim Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 22 May 2024 These would then subside into subdued textures marked by consonant harmonies. — Dallas News, 23 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for consonant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consonant
  1. symmetrical
  2. consistent
  3. harmonic
  4. compatible
  5. balanced
  6. elegant
  7. aesthetic
  8. pleasing
Adjective
  • Like many of the homes throughout Virginia, Birdwood Mansion was built according to Jeffersonian architectural and design ideals, with symmetrical details like an entrance portico, Doric columns, and impressive brickwork.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For both your antiques and florals, use an odd number of items to keep it from feeling too symmetrical or rigid.
    — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of symmetrical
Adjective
  • The casing is consistent with the same caliber of weapon that Jones had in his possession when police took him into custody, a Fort Worth Police Department homicide unit detective wrote in an arrest warrant affidavit.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The list takes months to compile, with multiple steps and checks designed to ensure the ranking is rigorous and consistent.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of consistent
Adjective
  • But at times, the caliber of their technical and harmonic choices sounds arty and sophisticated.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mehldau takes special care to retain Smith’s idiosyncratic chord structures, accentuating his sublime harmonic feel.
    — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • Vehicle-to-grid, or V2G, technology allows compatible vehicles and chargers to exchange electricity with the grid rather than simply charging the battery.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In practice, however, the number of vehicles that are actually compatible is still very limited.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of compatible
Adjective
  • The bar makes a perfectly balanced drink, and brunch holds its own with plenty of light and rib-sticking options alike (the steak and eggs were my favorite) and strong locally roasted coffee (both pour-over and espresso options).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Beneficial species help digest food, hold plaque in check and support a balanced ecosystem that feeds into whole-body health.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of balanced
Adjective
  • The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Designed to be used, displayed, combined and gifted, the pieces blend everyday function with Ginori’s refined aesthetic, colorful palette and touches of gold.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The result is sophisticated yet inviting—think elevated beach house with a dash of desert aesthetic.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of aesthetic
Adjective
  • Its look, a pleasing meld of contemporary glass and steel, mid-century accents, and exposed brickwork, nods to the past.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This puzzle is stuffed with nuance, pleasing crosses and a lot of simply terrific, ridiculously evocative stuff — for example, a jarring assortment of lovely trivia intersecting with some hideous ailments at more than one juncture.
    — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleasing

Browse Nearby Words

consonancy
consonant
consort
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Cite this Entry

“Consonant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consonant. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on consonant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consonant

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