RETROACTIVE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

retroactive

adjective

Definition of retroactive

as in retrospective

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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 retroactive The new budget is retroactive to July 1, so teachers and other state employees can expect to see the raises reflected in their next pay checks, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction told The Charlotte Observer. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 Bubic was moved to the 60-day IR retroactive to May 15 with left elbow soreness. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 The league subsequently hit Thomas with a retroactive flagrant foul and one-game suspension. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026 There is surely some retroactive continuity here, the writer going back in time to spin an origin story about the idea that would become the center of her spiritual writing. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retroactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retroactive

Adjective

Those elements remain necessary, but the architecture is usually retrospective.

— Asif Menghrani, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Shoma’s investigation of Varsha’s reincarnation, and Dinu’s investigation of Shoma, give the first part of Ghost-Eye a satisfyingly retrospective quality.

— Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Definition of retrospective

Adjective

Whether the issue was rare earths, electric vehicles, robotics, semiconductors, or artificial intelligence, the analytical mistake has remained remarkably consistent.

— Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Putnam was an exception to this rule as an analytic philosopher who ventured into continental territory.

— Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of analytic

Adjective

The screenings drew a positive response from festival-goers, with many describing the experience as calming and meditative.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2026
And two of them play silent, meditative nature imagery of birds, mountains, seascapes and trees.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of meditative

Adjective

The set balanced crowd favorites with deeper cuts, moving comfortably between reflective moments and full-throttle rockers.

— Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
The exterior material has a glossy, highly reflective, mirrorlike patent leather sheen.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of reflective

Adjective

The Final Painting fittingly has a contemplative tone, with slow, spellbound songs that seem both off-the-cuff and profoundly lived in.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026
The animation perfectly complements its contemplative pace, drawing us deeper into its haunting world.

— William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026

Definition of contemplative

Adjective

More importantly, the researchers found that the effective logical error rate was 10 times lower than the physical error rate.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
The Cardinals needed an available reliever more than a starter recovering from a 77-pitch appearance, making Dobbins the logical roster casualty despite his otherwise solid work during his first extended opportunity in the major leagues.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.

— Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
Their ruminative hush sets them apart in an era of instant-gratification drops.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

Definition of ruminative

Browse Nearby Words

retro

retroactive

retrofit

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“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retroactive. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of retroactive

adjective

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