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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 rueful After that excruciating miss, Sabalenka dropped her racket on the blue court and smiled a rueful smile. Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 On the one hand, this is simply the essence of middle England: rueful, reduced, shabby, and funny-sad in a Larkinesque way. James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 The only catharsis or healing to be found in the film comes from the titular apology, more a rueful word of caution than anything else. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Recognizing that gulf is a sad thing for her, and Huston holds Anderson’s intense close-ups with an expression both loving and rueful at once. 40. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rueful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rueful
Adjective
  • In this context, even a simple boast about wielding a Beretta sounded mournful.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Lit only by a halo-like light overhead, Wayans stares blankly at the screen, smoking a cigar — and breaking down in mournful tears.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The team is soliciting toenail donations (sorry, only from Canadians) to study a type of cancer that arises far from our feet–lung cancer.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Ozzy definitely didn’t want people to feel sorry for him.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Browns have scored the second-fewest points in the NFL, ahead of only the pitiful Tennessee Titans.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • On the side of the highway, Wilson cuts a pitiful, solitary figure.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.
    David Mamet, National Review, 11 Aug. 2022
  • The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.
    Helen Shaw, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
  • Strength is not something to be ashamed of.
    Brian Mast, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Victims feel embarrassed, ashamed or afraid to admit they were fooled.
    Summer Stephan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The conversation left her heartbroken.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Still heartbroken years after the split, Richard wears his anger and pain on his sleeve, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During her sentencing, Javice appeared remorseful, according to several reports.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • While the lyrics seem remorseful, Cardi’s only regrets are for him.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rueful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rueful. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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