Rueful

Synonyms of rueful

• penitent
• regretful
• remorseful

Antonyms of rueful

• happy
• joyful
• gleeful

Collocations of rueful

smile

Frequency: 70 %

She gave a rueful smile as she realized her mistake.

laugh

Frequency: 60 %

He let out a rueful laugh at his own clumsiness.

sigh

Frequency: 50 %

With a rueful sigh, she admitted defeat.

grin

Frequency: 45 %

Despite the situation, he couldn't help but wear a rueful grin.

nod

Frequency: 35 %

He gave a rueful nod, acknowledging his mistake.

Idiomatic Expressions for rueful

• Phrase: rueful laughter
  Meaning: laughing in a way that shows regret or sorrow
  Usage: Despite the circumstances, he couldn't help but let out a rueful laughter.