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
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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 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
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
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Until a ceasefire materializes, the Treasury market is likely to be torn between near-term inflation fears and the risk of economic deceleration later in the year.—
Michael MacKenzie,
Bloomberg,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The solution is deliberate deceleration.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Canada is the largest source of international tourism to Las Vegas, and the decline of these tourists is a significant blow to the city.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Growth in enterprise networking, broadband, and server storage revenues were offset by the seasonal decline in wireless (as is the case following the launch of an iPhone given that the component orders are placed ahead of the launch).—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The oil price increase can push an already-cooling economy into a recession or meaningful slowdown.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
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The coalition opted to pause supply increases during the first quarter, pointing to a seasonal slowdown in fuel consumption.—
Grant Smith,
Fortune,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At an advanced driving school hosted by the Brakes organization, students ages 15 to 19 are learning how to respond to dangerous road situations such as skidding, panic braking, and sudden obstacles in the road.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Grip and braking will improve as the weekend progresses.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Napping drops with age to 47% of preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) and 28% of school-age children (6 to 13).—
Lily Hautau,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Mix a few drops of one of the oils, two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, and two cups of water in a spray bottle.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Still, this most recent slump was inching this team closer to the annals of franchise infamy.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Johnson shot himself out of a slump.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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