as in philosophical
given to or marked by reflection of the past
Her book takes a retrospective look at the actor's long and distinguished career.
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Recent Examples of retrospective
Performance was managed as an operational metric, not a retrospective surprise.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
That suggests that person-to-person variability may be important, but the effect is still large enough to overcome person-to-person differences, at least in the earlier retrospective analysis.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The retrospective exhibit places the 26,000-acre, undeveloped Georgia barrier island near Savannah among the most important artist colonies of the 20th century.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke has previously been announced as the festival’s Filmmaker in Focus, with a retrospective program and on-stage appearances planned during the event.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
That suggests that person-to-person variability may be important, but the effect is still large enough to overcome person-to-person differences, at least in the earlier retrospective analysis.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The retrospective exhibit places the 26,000-acre, undeveloped Georgia barrier island near Savannah among the most important artist colonies of the 20th century.
—Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke has previously been announced as the festival’s Filmmaker in Focus, with a retrospective program and on-stage appearances planned during the event.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Mar. 2026
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And the disputes about these nitty-gritty details are philosophical as much as pragmatic.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The star previewed the track during her deeply nostalgic Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special which aired on Disney+ earlier this week.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
27 Mar. 2026
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One of Mexico City's iconic churro spots is now cooking up its nostalgic treats in Echo Park.—
Kara Finnstrom,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For his fourth solo album, the lead singer of the Mexican rock band Zoé has crafted his most personal and introspective work yet.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
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All across what is probably the best pop album of all time, Michael got sexy, sensual, and introspective in equal measures.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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From an analytical perspective, Philadelphia’s offensive efficiency runs heavily through Tyrese Maxey.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Tax season, savings strategies, and investment planning are all pulling at your attention, and your analytical mind is more than capable of working through the complexity.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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October 23 – November 21 This morning favors calm, thoughtful exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
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As with the others, Bjorn and wife and creative director Julija’s thoughtful touches are everywhere, from the singular pieces of vintage decor that fill the rooms to the economical (and ecological) construction of the cabins.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Aries season is in full swing through the 19th, bringing a surge of forward momentum, physical energy, and the desire to begin again after March's more reflective tone.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Other tips include riding defensively around cars, using front and rear lights, wearing reflective vests in the dark, and avoiding biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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