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.

We’re often wistful when we land back at SFO with the feeling that our travel ended too soon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 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

What Granny had also said, so wistful, was how she used to dream of going to New York with Grandpa, but he never saw why she wanted to.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns