nostalgic

adjective

Definition of nostalgicnext
as in wistful
showing or evoking a longing for an often idealized past Her grandfather was nostalgic about the 'good old days'. a nostalgic film about the 1960s

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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 nostalgic Fashion’s attraction to older objects may not be nostalgic so much as corrective—a response to the rapid pace of trends, endless images, and frictionless experiences of a digital-first world. — Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026 For those who love a ‘50s feel but prefer not to resemble a costume from the Spirit Halloween catalog, the On 34th minidress has that nostalgic look with a contemporary feel. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 3 July 2026 Amid the allure of international jet-setters, luxury aficionados, art enthusiasts, and avant-garde travelers, five-star Hôtel Lou Pinet offers a serene retreat that captures nostalgic charm and the essence of bohemian chic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Partly inspired by a line in the 2007 film Atonement starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, every starts with a nostalgic trip back in time, to a post-World War II 1960s and ’70s, Vauxhall Vivas, and the dreams of staying forever young. — Tina Eves, SPIN, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nostalgic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nostalgic
wistful
Adjective
  • That's in part because the Slate pickup comes exclusively in two-seat single-cab form, a fact that should only further endear it to wistful lovers of classic small pickups.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
  • That wistful undertow stems from Zimmerman’s casual acceptance of his advancing age.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Definition of wistful

Browse Nearby Words

nosing out
nostalgic
nostrum
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Cite this Entry

“Nostalgic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nostalgic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nostalgic

Nglish: Translation of nostalgic for Spanish Speakers

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