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retardant

adjective

re·​tar·​dant ri-ˈtär-dᵊnt How to pronounce retardant (audio)
Synonyms of retardantnext
: serving or tending to retard
a growth-retardant substance
retardant noun

Examples of retardant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Make sure any decorations used near Christmas lights are flame retardant or resistant. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025 Even fire-retardant treatments on bamboo cannot stop ignition in extreme heat. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025 Air resources — including tankers — provided retardant support throughout the day and into the evening hours to slow down the progress of the fire. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025 In a Tuesday evening briefing, officials said more than 287,000 gallons of retardant and more than a million gallons of water had been dropped on the fire. The Press Democrat, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retardant

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retardant was in 1642

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retardant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardant. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

retardant

adjective
re·​tar·​dant ri-ˈtärd-ᵊnt How to pronounce retardant (audio)
: serving or tending to retard
flame-retardant fabrics

More from Merriam-Webster on retardant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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