retardation

noun

ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce retardation (audio)
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

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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
  1. deceleration
  2. decline
  3. slowdown
  4. braking
  5. drop
  6. slump
Noun
  • The record proves that the silent cabin, instant torque and smooth deceleration of electric-vehicle (EV) driving does not have to be derived from a charging grid.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
  • During the test drive, Lawgalet experienced the deceleration caused from regenerative braking, panicked and decided to return to the dealership after being surprised by the sensation.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceleration
Noun
  • This decline could affect the annual value of his next contract.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Overall, patients who took estrogen-only hormone therapy for menopause were less likely to display signs of memory loss or cognitive decline or to be diagnosed with dementia.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • But a material slowdown in its economy would send shock waves around the world, especially among China’s major trading partners, not only in the Asia Pacific but also in countries elsewhere whose economies have become intertwined with China’s.
    — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The pain at the pump has drawn close attention, but less focus has been paid to a slowdown in wage increases that has coincided with the surge in costs.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of slowdown
Noun
  • In the context of Subaru and Toyota’s EVs, the regenerative braking force can be stepped up or down off-throttle, with four levels of strength available.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Also part of the upgrade was the control system for braking, the motor that runs the chain that drives the trains to the top of the track and an operator interface, Lytle said.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of braking
Noun
  • Unlike other meat products, the cost of chicken has seen little fluctuation in recent months, so much so that July’s 3-cent drop signaled the single biggest monthly change dating back to November 2024.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The critic who found a helpful narrative to understand the history, and future, of our images, without a drop of cynicism.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Bumble and competitor Tinder, owned by Match Group, have reported consecutive declining rates of paying users, revenue and stock slumps in recent years.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Short sellers betting against SpaceX are rapidly retreating from the trade, just as the newly public stock rebounds from its post-IPO slump.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of slump

Browse Nearby Words

retardant
retardation
retardations
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Cite this Entry

“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retardation

Nglish: Translation of retardation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retardation

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