retrospection

noun

ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or process or an instance of surveying the past

Synonyms

• reappraisal
• reconsideration
• reexamination
• retrospect
• review

Examples of retrospection in a Sentence

This is a time of retrospection for many people.

the president is confident that future retrospections will cast his actions in a more favorable light

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden said age criticisms 'took on a life of its own' In the months since his November 2024 loss, questions over the impact of his age and perceived physical deterioration have not gone away, as the Democratic Party continues its retrospection of the defeat. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 14 May 2025

But framing Paul American as a retrospection on labor, with the boys and their family and their lackeys gassing them up over and over, just isn’t that interesting. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

Every intervention, rereading, and retrospection by Jameson is about the present and the wish to shape the future. —Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024

Nila’s fuzzy retrospection is especially frustrating in moments featuring her toxic relationship with Marlowe. —Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retrospection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection

Kids Definition

retrospection

noun

ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən 

1

: the act or power of recalling the past

2

: retrospect