rueful
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.
He flashes a rueful smile, "we're used to it, but it's pretty awful."
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
"I might have won the World Championship two years earlier than I did," said a rueful Higgins, who admitted that was one of his most painful losses in his 34-year professional career.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
Their catch-up turns into a rueful airing out of long-simmering resentments in a way that shakes Jay to his core, confirming some of his own worst suspicions about himself.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025
Good actors “act the way people used to act,” he says with a rueful nostalgia at odds with his youth.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025
"I ought to know better than to argue with a Tully," he said with a rueful smile.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Vocabulary lists containing rueful
List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Tuck Everlasting
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
