wistful

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.

The first single, Days We Left Behind, premiered on BBC Radio Merseyside, and finds the singer in a wistful, nostalgic mood.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Some people who don’t expect an inheritance might feel wistful or even sad about their financial prospects, especially when relatives and friends are on the receiving end.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Through Van Der Beek’s wistful performance, viewers were given a window through which to grapple with betrayal, death, heartbreak and a litany of bad decisions.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

They were signs of a nation’s respect, or at least wistful nostalgia.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2026

Mariam knew the story from Nana herself, and, though Nana dismissed the episode, Mariam could tell by the wistful light in her eyes that she had been happy.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini