This list includes 10 Emotions that start with W, from “Warmth” to “Wretchedness”. They range from gentle positive feelings to intense negative states useful for character work and self-reflection. They help students, writers, educators, therapists, and curious readers.

Emotions that start with W are feelings whose common English names begin with the letter W. Many of these words capture social warmth or distress and appear often in literature and counseling.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example.

Emotion: The emotion’s name so you can identify and select specific feelings for writing, study, or personal reflection.

Type: Indicates whether the feeling is Positive, Negative, or Neutral so you can sort tone for scenes or lessons.

Definition: A concise one-sentence description that explains the emotion and helps you use the word accurately.

Example: A short sentence showing the emotion in context so you can see natural usage and tone.

Emotions that start with W

EmotionTypeIntensity (1–10)Meaning
WonderPositive7Amazement and curious awe about something unfamiliar
WorryNegative6Anxious unease about potential problems
WrathNegative9Intense, vengeful anger
WoeNegative8Deep sorrow or distress
WistfulnessNeutral4Mild, melancholic longing for the past or absent
WeltschmerzNegative7Melancholy about the world’s imperfections
WarmthPositive4Affectionate friendliness and emotional comfort
WretchednessNegative9Severe misery or despair
WishfulnessNeutral3Hopeful longing for something desired
WoefulnessNegative8Marked state of sorrow or lamentation

Descriptions

Wonder
A feeling of amazed curiosity that expands attention; I feel wonder watching the Milky Way.
Worry
A persistent, often future-focused anxiety that disrupts calm; I worry about the job interview.
Wrath
A powerful, consuming anger that seeks retaliation; His wrath flares after the betrayal.
Woe
An acute sense of misfortune or grief; She sighs under the weight of woe.
Wistfulness
A gentle, bittersweet longing that mixes sadness and affection; He looks at old letters with wistfulness.
Weltschmerz
A world-weary sadness about societal or existential injustice; She feels weltschmerz reading news of suffering.
Warmth
A comforting, affiliative feeling that encourages closeness; He offers warmth to the nervous newcomer.
Wretchedness
An extreme state of suffering and hopelessness; After the disaster, survivors describe deep wretchedness.
Wishfulness
A gentle, hopeful desire often lacking practical expectation; She gazes at the fireworks with wishfulness.
Woefulness
A pronounced condition of sorrow or regret that colors tone; His voice carries woefulness when he tells the story.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.