rueful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In one day," he says, with a rueful smile.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026
So he decides to keep appearing in clubs to tell tales of his relationship woes, lacing the commentary with rueful remarks that are vaguely comic, though nothing he says is actually funny.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025
While he enjoys the craftmanship, he admits with a rueful smile that he has still not learned to play the piano himself.
From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025
The only catharsis or healing to be found in the film comes from the titular apology, more a rueful word of caution than anything else.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025
It is the mature voice of rueful acceptance.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Vocabulary lists containing rueful
List 1
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Tuck Everlasting
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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
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