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
Raised in Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire, Drake was surrounded by music; his mother, Molly, wrote wistful songs in the English parlor tradition, her delicate phrasing later echoed in Nick’s own recordings.
—
arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Printed in a wistful italic font and decorated haphazardly with doves, shooting stars, butterflies and the Rialto Bridge, the invitation appears homemade, but not in an artisanal sense.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
As for his singing, Simon still delivered in his distinct wistful voice that now sounded a bit more softer, which suited to the intimate presentation of the material.
—David Chiu, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for wistful
arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Printed in a wistful italic font and decorated haphazardly with doves, shooting stars, butterflies and the Rialto Bridge, the invitation appears homemade, but not in an artisanal sense.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
As for his singing, Simon still delivered in his distinct wistful voice that now sounded a bit more softer, which suited to the intimate presentation of the material.
—David Chiu, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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In the wake of the news and looming death of mall culture (excuse the catastrophizing, but this is a heavy day), the PEOPLE staff held a private vigil on Slack, with emotions ranging from heartbreak and nostalgic reminiscing ... plus some utterly shocked that the store was still standing.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most unique ways to see Taiwan, and offers a scenic, nostalgic ride through misty mountains.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Is there anything dreamier than being loved for your convictions?—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
4 Aug. 2025
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Rates: $$ Summertime travel has never been hotter in the Caribbean, with many vacationers only now realizing that this warm-weather escape is pretty dreamy year-round.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The turmoil dates back to a somewhat sloppy performance at a charity show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
4 Aug. 2025
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Learning how to practice Despite the steady energy throughout camp, Saturday’s session had its share of sloppy moments.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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