Definition of retrogressnext
as in to revert
to go back to a previous and usually lower state or level the quality of research at the university lab has begun to retrogress since the massive budget cuts went into effect

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retrogress This annual limit, and the intense global demand has created significant back logs, particularly for applicants from India and China, whose EB-2 priority dates have continually retrogressed. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 3 Jan. 2026 After the 1960s, after the switch in—the shift in the strategy to gaining political clout, a lot of those trends stalled, slowed, even retrogressed. WSJ, 3 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrogress
Verb
  • Unfortunately the general lack of trust of healthcare and traditional treatments is taking a toll on newborns and infants, and will likely not revert until clear messaging and respect for science is returned.
    Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Stars such as Julia Fox and Bechtel have reverted back to their natural color after spending time with the platinum look, but keeping the shape ultra-thin.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Hot spots still burned within a 420-square-kilometer (162-square-mile) scar, thousands remained unable to return home, and nearly 3,000 firefighters were deployed against the Gironde megafire and a second blaze in Provence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, price spikes returned in July after Washington responded to Iranian attacks on shipping in the key maritime artery of the Strait of Hormuz.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retrogress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrogress. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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