RETARDATION Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

retardation

noun

ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən

Definition of retardation

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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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

Concerns about this recent deceleration aside, a slight quarter-to-quarter boost is obviously preferable to the bundle’s comparable loss of 953,000 customers between the first and second quarters of this year.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Altman and SpaceX's Elon Musk quickly backed Amodei's push for deceleration.

— CJ Haddad, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of deceleration

Noun

Now, by reimagining live shopping for the very environment that accelerated its slowdown, TikTok Shop is seeing sizable gains.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
That 8% revenue growth rate is a real slowdown compared with the 27% surge of the second quarter, where equities trading and deal-making exceeded expectations.

— Hugh Son,Laya Neelakandan,Leslie Picker,Ritika Shah, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Noun

Unlike most e-bikes, which have a mechanical connection between pedals and wheels, the TM-B utilizes a pedal-by-wire system that connects to a generator; riders can charge its battery simply by pedaling and braking.

— Charlotte Hu, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Both brands offer a telematics safe driving program, which tracks your driving and bases your rate on factors like your braking, acceleration, speed and driving time.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of braking

Noun

With stimulus checks gone and student loan payments back, Maggiulli suggests the drop may partly be a return to normal.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
For instance, the company launched its bronzing drops because community members asked for them on a TikTok live, and created a pickle lip balm because pickles were a huge trend on social media.

— Colleen McKown, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

When healthy, Ohtani has the ability to break out of even the most dire of slumps with an otherworldly performance, like that three-homer (as a hitter), 10-strikeout (as a pitcher) all-timer.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
In other words, even when people and businesses think ahead and act in their own interests, sticky prices can keep the economy stuck in a slump.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of slump

Browse Nearby Words

retardant

retardation

retardations

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

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Synonyms of retardation

noun

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