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
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.
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Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Similarly, the lyrics can be varied—the best beach songs can be carefree, dancy, wistful, or just plain catchy.
—Janae McKenzie, Glamour, 14 June 2025
Some were melancholy, wistful, and brimming with nostalgia.
—Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
The film also becomes a wistful poem about life and aging, one that observes the injustice of old age with humor and kindness.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Similarly, the lyrics can be varied—the best beach songs can be carefree, dancy, wistful, or just plain catchy.
—Janae McKenzie, Glamour, 14 June 2025
Some were melancholy, wistful, and brimming with nostalgia.
—Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
The film also becomes a wistful poem about life and aging, one that observes the injustice of old age with humor and kindness.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wistful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wistful
Adjective
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Homebody at heart but hopeless romantic in the streets, Cancer, your jewelry vibe this summer is nostalgic, delicate, and heart-centered.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
27 June 2025
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The images are so evocative and nostalgic, a plan was devised to put a selection of Dogma photos on exhibit and for sale at the famed Morrison Hotel Gallery’s high-profile outposts, in New York City’s SoHo and in Los Angeles within West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis Hotel.—
Scott Huver,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Shea Diamond’s makeup is a delightful blend of colorful, dreamy and playful —every hair adornment, rhinestone and winged liner stroke declaring power, visibility, and femme brilliance.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 June 2025
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The result is dreamy, emotionally profound, pervaded by a sense of curiosity and profound care.—
Eliza Berman,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving Challenges tackle rock gardens, blind drop-offs, and water crossings where sloppy throttle work comes at a cost.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Thus far, the Wind Down delivers with its clean lines, deep cushions, and just-right balance of softness and structure that is far from sloppy—even with her young child is known to practice high dives and a somersaults or two.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wistful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wistful. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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