Definition of retardationnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of retardation 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 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 degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe. Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
  • Lloyd did two-leg squatting, single-leg squatting, jumping, running, cutting and deceleration exercises in a three-dimensional motion capture lab that identified where Lloyd was placing stress during those activities.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 15 June 2026
  • Hamstring strains often occur during sprinting or rapid deceleration, while groin strains are linked to cutting movements and powerful inside-foot kicks.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Last year, however, marked another slowdown, which experts largely attributed to a decline in international migration.
    Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • An attempt to ease zoning and permitting rules Many housing experts point to local zoning and red tape as the root of the slowdown in homebuilding.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Engine braking and launch control are also adjustable.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 June 2026
  • Instead, they are charged by the gas engine and through regenerative braking over time.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Economists polled by Dow Jones are looking at a drop of 4%.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • The barrier to creation drops, but so does differentiation.
    Jay Sen, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • In addition, Nike has reported a sales slump in China , or a market that once served as a considerable driver of its growth.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • This market slump wasn't isolated, affecting Korean and European firms as well.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on retardation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster