wishful

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.

“Hopes for a quick wind-down of the Iran war faded, contrary to the wishful market action earlier in the week,” writes Rosenberg Research’s David Rosenberg.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

It was confusion, or maybe wishful thinking, or was it outright defiance?

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Modest to a fault, “Midwinter Break” seems to float like something cautious and wishful, hoping along with the audience that this union’s individual strains will fall into harmony once more.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

A return to a new "golden era" is "wishful thinking," says Dr Yu Jie.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

But to believe that dissecting the tragic events of 1996 in minute detail will actually reduce the future death rate in any meaningful way is wishful thinking.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer