as in nostalgic
showing or evoking a sad longing for an often idealized past
She felt wistful looking through her college yearbook, remembering old friends she had not seen in decades.
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Recent Examples of wistful
Expanding Woody and Buzz’s universe without losing focus on the characters, laughs, or sentiment, this follow-up deepens the themes of the original while keeping a wistful eye on childhood’s end.
—
Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Similarly, the lyrics can be varied—the best beach songs can be carefree, dancy, wistful, or just plain catchy.
—Janae McKenzie, Glamour, 14 June 2025
Some were melancholy, wistful, and brimming with nostalgia.
—Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
The film also becomes a wistful poem about life and aging, one that observes the injustice of old age with humor and kindness.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Similarly, the lyrics can be varied—the best beach songs can be carefree, dancy, wistful, or just plain catchy.
—Janae McKenzie, Glamour, 14 June 2025
Some were melancholy, wistful, and brimming with nostalgia.
—Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
The film also becomes a wistful poem about life and aging, one that observes the injustice of old age with humor and kindness.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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The collection was nostalgic and quintessentially Chanel, with a focus on archival pieces and silhouettes featuring tweed and contrasting delicate fabrics.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Regardless of the reason behind our nostalgia for blue places, the results are important for all of us, who may benefit from feeling a bit more nostalgic for the past.—
Sam Walters,
Discover Magazine,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Aside from the dreamy scenery, there's a lot to love about the nostalgic '90s film.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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There’s also an atmospheric loggia equipped with a dining table, providing a dreamy hub for outdoor pasta parties. Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Amenities: Washer, mosquito net, AC, indoor fireplace, dishwasher, BBQ, pool.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Some of it is good, but a lot of it is sloppy, outdated or full of vulnerabilities.—
Jimmie Lee,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Hein was sloppy, lazy and showed a lack of impartiality in dealing with him, Hicks said in his filing.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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