WISTFUL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

wistful

adjective

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

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 wistful This is four hours of wistful football flair and drama. —

Bee Staff february 6, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Based on the devastating dystopian novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro, this wistful drama explores the lives of Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, three friends who grow up at a boarding school. —

Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 His first column set the tone for the critical and wistful columns that would follow. —

Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Omniscience gives way to a motley chorus of inner monologues and hushed conversations, kitchen table squabbles, restless thoughts, wistful memories. —

Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wistful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful

Adjective

First up, don’t miss the chance to snag Sperry boat shoes on sale—these nostalgic slip-ons were everywhere last spring and are poised to be back in a big way this year.

— Jordan Julian, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Bloomsbury Market Akeyra 4-Person Dining Set Add a nostalgic touch to your patio or garden with this iron set that looks just like something grandma would own.

— Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026