as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retardation
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
However, the revival of games like Brawl Stars proves that decline is not inevitable.—
Pawan Gaargi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
However, the decline in traditional alcohol consumption may be exaggerated.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Even top producers should expect a slowdown in the first few months.—
Drew Gurley,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
The seeming slowdown in hate speech monitoring comes as antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault are on the rise in the United States and globally, the Anti-Defamation League reported, with 2024 deemed a peak year for antisemitism.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Homer in the second Bases-clearing triple in the third The knock followed some other defensive shenanigans from the A’s, as Trent Grisham began the inning with a popup but ended up on second base after Sacramento’s second drop of the game.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
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Inspired by streetwear marketing that plays on exclusivity and hype, Absolute Merch’s full-scale merch strategies also feature merch drops and limited-edition designs that power community and revenue, often leading to merch trades among fans.—
Andrea Zarczynski,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
The restaurant industry has experienced a slump in the aftermath of ICE’s arrival in Los Angeles, with fewer customers dining in and more staff calling out.—
Karla Marie Sanford,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
-
At 24, the question is whether there will be third-year growth after a significant sophomore slump.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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