ret·ro·spect
ˈre-trə-ˌspekt 
1
: a review of or meditation on past events
2
archaic
: reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
retrospected; retrospecting; retrospects
: to go back over in thought
Examples of retrospect in a Sentence
Noun
in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college
Recent Examples on the Web
Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025
There were several things which became narratives in retrospect.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Bill Clinton, in ways that in retrospect look ridiculous, drove the right crazy.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for retrospect
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Noun
Although, in retrospect, Gazdecki did not pick the most opportune time to sell, the experience would inform the rest of his career.
—Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025
There were several things which became narratives in retrospect.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
In retrospect, the success of current Villa boss Unai Emery was built on the foundations Smith had laid.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Bill Clinton, in ways that in retrospect look ridiculous, drove the right crazy.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
In retrospect the unfolding of Watergate in the press and the courts and Congress is our American Oresteia.
—Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for retrospect
Cite this Entry
“Retrospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrospect. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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