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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wistful
For The Times) On a recent morning at his Tujunga home, Gurr was getting a little wistful.
—
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Now, our wistful protagonist and her friends are looking for clues along the edge of a supernatural abyss known as Glore Valley.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025
When Elizabeth announces her rejection of Mr. Collins’s proposal, Wright’s camera focuses on Mary, whose face fills with a wistful expression.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
But there’s also something wistful about it, as if its characters had glimpsed a possibility of freedom, unity, and happiness that, nearly 100 years later, is still out of reach.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Now, our wistful protagonist and her friends are looking for clues along the edge of a supernatural abyss known as Glore Valley.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025
When Elizabeth announces her rejection of Mr. Collins’s proposal, Wright’s camera focuses on Mary, whose face fills with a wistful expression.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
But there’s also something wistful about it, as if its characters had glimpsed a possibility of freedom, unity, and happiness that, nearly 100 years later, is still out of reach.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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This nostalgic journey is your brain’s way of responding to the powerful connection between your sense of smell and your memory.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Partygoers also enjoyed cocktails by Diageo, nostalgic ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery and ube and mocha iced lattes from Mostra Coffee.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Style the trousers with a blouse like this dreamy pink one, then finish the look with a comfy pair of ballet flats that’ll keep your feet cushioned during work events.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
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So many dreamy pieces for women, men, and kids are in the mix, but we’re especially smitten with this easy dress and these long jorts, both of which deserve a place in your carry-on.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Los Alamitos tied the game in the third due to some sloppy defense from the Eagles.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
23 May 2025
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The first half was sloppy, with both teams unable to take control of the game or create genuine goal chances.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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