Synonyms

nostalgic

American

[no-stal-jik, nuh‑] / nɒˈstæl dʒɪk, nə‑ /

adjective

experiencing or exhibiting nostalgia, a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time, or situation.

Other Word Forms

nostalgically adverb

Etymology

Origin of nostalgic

nostalg(ia) + -ic

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.

"Around 9 pm, I was feeling suffocated and nostalgic, so I got in the car to drive around town," a 28-year-old woman told AFP on Monday on condition that her identity be protected.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Wrangling Gellar free from her inadvertent nostalgic trappings is no simple task.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Well, we are currently living through country-changing upheaval, and instead of feeling thrilled, it’s making me and my friends nostalgic for our steady, bland childhoods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Disney previously announced a $60-billion, 10-year expansion program, but it must strike a balance by keeping attractions true to their nostalgic core.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

It's natural, in the end, to get nostalgic about the beginning.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023