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rueful Synonyms

Another word for rueful

Choosing another word for rueful that fits your sentence is easier when synonyms and similar words are paired with an exact adjective definition and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a wry, self-deprecating, or humorous way.

Usage Example

"He gave a regretful smile after realizing he had locked his keys inside the car."

Strongest
regretful
remorseful
Strong
sorrowful
apologetic
contrite
repentant
penitent
wistful
mournful
woeful

Opposites of rueful

The opposite of rueful shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

unrepentant
impenitent
remorseless
unapologetic
cheerful
glad
See all opposites of rueful

• Nearby Words

rudimentary
rudy
rue
rueful
ruefully
ruer
ruff

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Rueful. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/rueful
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