NOSTALGIC Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

nostalgic

adjective

Definition of nostalgic

as in wistful

showing or evoking a longing for an often idealized past Her grandfather was nostalgic about the 'good old days'. a nostalgic film about the 1960s

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nostalgic Downtown brings old-school streets, a local bookstore, a village shop and a mix of nostalgic and award-winning restaurants. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 This week in metro Atlanta, participate in a worldwide pay-what-you-can initiative, enjoy a nostalgic brunch at Ruby Chow’s and taste four wines for $10 inside a hair salon. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 People come from all over to enjoy its nostalgic Main Street dotted with fun shops. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Read more about Mobley’s nostalgic inspiration for this bright and tangy cocktail here. — Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nostalgic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nostalgic

wistful

Adjective

Anton, whose gaze at the couple can only be described as wistful.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
After that feral beginning, the rest of the album is mostly contemplative, wistful, and understated, amid cascading guitars and various sounds that are at times acoustic or gently swirling.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of wistful

Browse Nearby Words

nosing out

nostalgic

nostrum

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nostalgic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nostalgic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nostalgic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes