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 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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The deceleration in hiring, uptick in corporate layoffs, still-weak consumer confidence, struggling housing market are all partial offsets to the thriving corporate and capex sector.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Everything about driving the EX30 came naturally, including adjusting to its one-pedal deceleration, which brought it to a predictable stop without my touching the brake pedal.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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However, the league is looking to its next steps to after the 2025 season saw a 5% decline in game attendance, according to Sports Business Journal.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
-
But their party went into swift decline during the Cold War that began in the late 1940s and barely exists today.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The unexpected collapse of Technicolor triggered layoffs and production disruptions, while a broader post-pandemic slowdown has seen commissions drop nearly 30%.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Airport numbers slow to rebound in Bay Area Potential air traffic slowdowns are arriving at a delicate time for airports, some of which have yet to recover from temporary travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects since.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Vehicles have become more dependent on computer chips, transistors and diodes on everything from adjusting driver’s seats to feeding the proper amount of fuel into engines and providing braking power.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As Arizona squeezes more money from its decreasing share of river water, freighting every drop with critical industries and a booming housing market, the price of water is bound to keep climbing.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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To remove rust, sprinkle a bit of Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda over the affected area, add a drop of water to create a paste, and gently scrub with a soft sponge.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That was the case even if the extent of their subsequent slump — four consecutive Premier League defeats, six losses out of seven in all competitions — surprised everybody.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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After improvements in passenger totals in 2021, 2022, and 2023, San Jose and Oakland both began to suffer slumps in 2024 and the weakening pattern has lingered well into 2025, a review of official airport statistics shows.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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