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
For those in attendance, the singer performed the hit song Tuesday for the first time, taking the stage in a floor-length gown to play a piano rendition of the wistful track.
—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
10 June 2026
As zany and wistful as Faye Wong, only shorter.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
So the two spend a warm, wistful stretch in Paris, wandering museums and savoring each other’s company.
—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
And Rudd, as the happy mid-lifer who can’t help wanting a little more, is appealing in that characteristically boyish, Rudd-like way, though there’s also something deeply wistful about him.
—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
10 June 2026
As zany and wistful as Faye Wong, only shorter.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
So the two spend a warm, wistful stretch in Paris, wandering museums and savoring each other’s company.
—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
And Rudd, as the happy mid-lifer who can’t help wanting a little more, is appealing in that characteristically boyish, Rudd-like way, though there’s also something deeply wistful about him.
—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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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.
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This nostalgic tradition, which calls for a bit of patience, belongs on every old-fashioned summer bucket list.
Adjective
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These sheer, almond-shaped, pink French tip nails are dreamy.
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There’s nothing quite like waking up in a dreamy hotel bed complete with luxurious linens spritzed with a scent that reminds you of your favorite getaway.
Adjective
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England looked disjointed and sloppy for much of the first half, while Congo was bright and creative with the ball and held England at bay defensively.
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The regulars were middle-aged men who routinely drank five or six cocktails after work and were only rarely sloppy.
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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