plaintive

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.

Faith and modesty were qualities in all Heynis’s performances, delivered in a plaintive and haunting tone that is not quite like any other.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

The resulting lush and exotic soundscape, featuring plaintive pan flute and sprinkled with birdsong, turned out to be perfect for the game’s spooktastic forest levels.

From New York Times • Nov. 19, 2024

As Rangers people run around with their hair on fire, those words appear more plaintive than ever.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

I remember one particularly plaintive voice on the phone: “Steven, why are you lying to me? What have I done wrong?”

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2024

He heard distant laughter, the plaintive sound of pipes.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin