retroactive
adjective
ret·ro·ac·tive
ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv 
: 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
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 decision to take retroactive retirement payments affects future income, taxation, (possibly) Medicare costs, and survivor benefits.
—
Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
The law made the actions retroactive with its sights on Gary.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
The plaintiff subsequently filed a new brief on May 18 arguing that the April rescheduling strengthens its position, adding a new dimension to a case that could help define the limits of retroactive relief.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The matter became public when a resident obtained a copy of a 2025 letter from the Fayette County Water System to QTS through a records request, which mentioned a retroactive charge of $147,474 for an unspecified number of months.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retroactive
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.
Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
The law made the actions retroactive with its sights on Gary.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
The plaintiff subsequently filed a new brief on May 18 arguing that the April rescheduling strengthens its position, adding a new dimension to a case that could help define the limits of retroactive relief.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The matter became public when a resident obtained a copy of a 2025 letter from the Fayette County Water System to QTS through a records request, which mentioned a retroactive charge of $147,474 for an unspecified number of months.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retroactive
Cite this Entry
“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retroactive. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retroactive
adjective
ret·ro·ac·tive
ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv
: 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
: 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
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
