retroactive

adjective

ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past
especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition
retroactive tax
retroactively adverb
retroactivity noun

Did you know?

We normally think of time as constantly moving forward. Since retroactive seems to defy time's forward movement, retroactive taxes, laws, and regulations are often seen as particularly obnoxious and unfair. But nobody ever objects to receiving a retroactive raise at work. When we judge historical people and events in terms of present-day morality and attitudes, our retroactive judgments may indicate that we're too impressed with ourselves and ignorant of history.

Examples of retroactive in a Sentence

They all received a retroactive pay raise. The new tax will be retroactive to January 1.
Recent Examples on the Web The enhanced Child Tax Credit would be retroactive to tax year 2023, which is what Americans have started filing already. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Michigan's legislature passed the tax rule changes in early 2023, including an improved earned income tax credit for families of modest means that was retroactive to 2022. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024 Right now, there is a deal to expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC), which includes the possibility of making some changes retroactive to 2023 — the tax year that people are currently filing for. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2024 In an email to faculty members, union leaders said the agreement includes a 5% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2023, among other benefits. Debbie Truong, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024 This year, the what-if involves the possible expansion of the child tax credit, which likely would be retroactive to 2023. Susan Tompor, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 But the tax law, which is retroactive to 2023, went into effect 90 days after Michigan's legislative session ended in 2023, which ended up being Feb. 13. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 As for that second retroactive House bill (that would double the SALT deduction)? Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 In addition to the retroactive pay, the agreement includes another 5% increase on July 1 that is contingent on state funding. Debbie Truong, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retroactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive — more at agent

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retroactive was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near retroactive

Cite this Entry

“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retroactive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: intended to apply or take effect at a date in the past
a retroactive pay raise
retroactively adverb

Medical Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: having relation or reference to or efficacy in a prior time
specifically : relating to, caused by, or being obliteration of the results of learning by immediately subsequent activity
retroactive inhibition

Legal Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past
especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition
a retroactive tax
see also ex post facto law
retroactively adverb
retroactivity noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!