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.

Sometimes it’s wishful thinking that feels like conviction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“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

There’s a peculiar, wishful kind of grammar for talking about things that are desirable, as opposed to things as they really are.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner