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
Reid grew wistful late Sunday night as the drive home awaited.
—
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 May 2026
And Beecher was wistful for a Colonial New England past when wives ran households with a clocklike efficiency.
—Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Bieberchella, as it’s been called, was wistful, intriguing, and soon quite controversial.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
One bizarre, nearly 7-minute interlude featured Susan Sarandon playing an older version of Carpenter, delivering a wistful monologue about what a future niece might think of her.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 May 2026
And Beecher was wistful for a Colonial New England past when wives ran households with a clocklike efficiency.
—Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Bieberchella, as it’s been called, was wistful, intriguing, and soon quite controversial.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
One bizarre, nearly 7-minute interlude featured Susan Sarandon playing an older version of Carpenter, delivering a wistful monologue about what a future niece might think of her.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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The fabric range includes everything from solid colors to prints that are classic (gingham), nostalgic (‘90s Barbie swimsuits), and dainty florals.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
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Meester’s nostalgic connection to the brand, recalling playing with its sample bottles as a child, was picked up by outlets like People.—
Alison Bringé,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The structured top gave way to a dreamy XXL train, which fanned several feet behind her.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
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For decades, the Maldives has been known for its dreamy overwater villas, clear blue lagoons, and the promise of total relaxation.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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His edges going backwards can be a little sloppy, but with some refinement and good coaching, there could be something there.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
The Rays had a chance for more as the Tigers continued their sloppy play.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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