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What is another word for Wistful? – 252 Wistful Synonyms

    Need another word for Wistful? Use these synonyms of Wistful from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    melancholic nostalgic longing yearning pensive reflective mournful regretful sorrowful dismal gloomy dreary sad unhappy despondent disheartened disappointed depressed dejected despairing hopeless resigned pessimistic somber grave serious contemplative introspective brooding moody emotional sentimental tender bittersweet poignant haunting evocative dreamy ethereal otherworldly eerie wretched forlorn isolated lonely alone blue downcast desolate barren stark bare harsh austere severe rigid unforgiving bleak grim dismal discouraging disheartening

    Meaning of Wistful

    Having a feeling of melancholy or longing, especially for something that is lost or unattainable.

    Definitions

    • Having a feeling of melancholy or sadness, often with a sense of longing or regret for something that may never be attained
    • Expressing a sense of melancholy or longing, often in a gentle or faint manner

    Etymology of Wistful

    The word "wistful" has its roots in the Old English words "wist" meaning "intent" or "conscious" and the suffix "-ful" which forms an adjective indicating fullness or abundance
    Historically, the word has been used to describe a range of emotions from melancholy to longing, with its meaning evolving over time to encompass a sense of gentle or faint sadness

    Example Uses

    • The old, abandoned house stood as a wistful reminder of happier times
    • She felt a wistful longing for the freedom of her youth
    • The music was wistful and melancholic, evoking a sense of nostalgia in the listener

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    cheerful happy joyful ecstatic elated euphoric thrilled delighted pleased satisfied content complacent optimistic hopeful enthusiastic excited energetic lively vibrant animated buoyant carefree lighthearted playful humorous jocular facetious flippant frivolous gleeful jubilant triumphant victorious proud exultant radiant beaming resplendent dazzling

    Related Nouns

    nostalgia melancholy longing yearning regret sorrow sadness unhappiness despondency depression despair hopelessness pessimism somberness gravity seriousness contemplation introspection brooding moodiness emotion sentiment tenderness poignancy haunting evocation dream ethereality otherworldliness eeriness wretchedness forlornness isolation loneliness blues downcastness desolation barrenness starkness harshness austerity severity rigidity bleakness grimness discouragement disheartenment

    Related Verbs

    long yearn pine grieve mourn lament regret sorrow despair hope wish dream contemplate introspect brood ponder reflect muse ruminate sentimentalize emotionalize tenderize poignantize haunt evoke dream etherealize otherworld eerify wretch forlorn isolate lonely blue downcast desolate barren stark harsh austere severe rigid unforgiving bleak grim discourage dishearten

    Related Adjectives

    melancholic nostalgic longing yearning pensive reflective mournful regretful sorrowful dismal gloomy dreary sad unhappy despondent disheartened disappointed depressed dejected despairing hopeless resigned pessimistic somber grave serious contemplative introspective brooding moody emotional sentimental tender bittersweet poignant haunting evocative dreamy ethereal otherworldly eerie wretched forlorn isolated lonely blue downcast desolate barren stark harsh austere severe rigid unforgiving bleak grim