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rueful

[roo-fuhl] / ˈru fəl /


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.

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

“It was,” Duffy said with a rueful laugh.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

Their catch-up turns into a rueful airing out of long-simmering resentments in a way that shakes Jay to his core, confirming some of his own worst suspicions about himself.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 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

It is the mature voice of rueful acceptance.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall




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