Bittersweet

Bittersweet describes an experience, memory, or emotion that is tinged with both pleasure and sadness. It signifies a complex feeling, where happiness or enjoyment is intertwined with a sense of loss, regret, or poignancy. This often arises from reflecting on a cherished past event or relationship that is now altered or ended. The juxtaposition of positive and negative emotions creates a poignant and often memorable experience, evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and appreciation. It can also describe an outcome that, despite its positive aspects, brings forth difficult emotions related to sacrifice or loss. It's a nuanced feeling, rarely purely positive or negative, but a blend that resonates deeply with the human experience.

Bittersweet meaning with examples

• Graduation was bittersweet; the joy of accomplishment and the excitement for the future was laced with the sadness of leaving behind cherished friendships and familiar surroundings. The ceremony, filled with speeches and goodbyes, left a lingering sense of nostalgia for the past, a feeling everyone shared.
• Returning to her childhood home after her parents' passing was a bittersweet experience. While she cherished memories of family and happy times spent there, the emptiness and the constant reminders of their absence filled her with profound sorrow. It highlighted the contrast between past and present.
• The reunion with her estranged sibling was bittersweet. The relief of reconciliation was mixed with the lingering pain of years of separation and unresolved conflict. They shared laughter, tears, and a renewed bond while acknowledging past hurts, forging a path toward healing and understanding.
• Winning the championship game was bittersweet. The elation of victory and the culmination of years of hard work was dampened by the knowledge that it was also the team's last game before disbanding. The players faced the joy of triumph with the sadness of finality.

Bittersweet Synonyms

aching, affecting, melancholy, nostalgic, poignant, tender, touching, wistful

Bittersweet Antonyms

cheerful, delightful, exhilarating, happy, joyful, optimistic

Bittersweet Crossword Answers

7 Letters

WAXWORK

9 Letters

STAFFVINE, SEMISWEET

15 Letters

WOODYNIGHTSHADE

16 Letters

FALSEBITTERSWEET, DEADLYNIGHTSHADE, SOLANUMDULCAMARA

17 Letters

CELASTRUSSCANDENS

18 Letters

SHRUBBYBITTERSWEET, CLIMBINGNIGHTSHADE

19 Letters

AMERICANBITTERSWEET, CLIMBINGBITTERSWEET, POISONOUSNIGHTSHADE

21 Letters

BITTERSWEETNIGHTSHADE