Definition of retrospectnext
as in review
a usually critical look at a past event in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college

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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 retrospect In retrospect there was much more to it. Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 2 Apr. 2026 Details get swapped out, whole scenes implanted, emotions revised in retrospect. Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 In retrospect, of course, all of these moves look like no-brainers. Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026 Their words of caution were ignored (fortunately, in retrospect), and enterprising experimentalists embarked on a journey that would take nearly half a century, and the construction of three powerful colliders, to bear fruit. Mariangela Lisanti, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospect
Noun
  • The new law said certain projects in urban areas of the state do not need to undergo a CEQA review and was pitched as a way to help prevent opponents of development projects across the state from trying to slow down and ultimately defeat housing plans.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As of January 2026, there were 19 federal lawsuits challenging the platform’s legality, according to a review by NPR.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Frisell will turn 75 on March 18, midway through his current tour, and retrospection is a constant throughout In My Dreams.
    Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The system also supports global retrospection.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Amid widespread reconsideration of prominent people accused of wrongdoing, some wondered whether Jackson might disappear from playlists.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The appellate judges sent what's been called the James class action back to the trial court for reconsideration.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For founding members Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey, the reappraisal of this material was an opportunity to fly the Heavenly banner once again, reforming to play live for a new generation of fans and to start work on their first album in 30 years.
    Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
  • And when revelations from the journal of the late neurologist/author Oliver Sacks were used in a reappraisal of his work in a recent New Yorker.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That’s true even for routine reviews without any surprises, but add to that the potential for people to challenge the review and force costly reexamination or even litigation — something that practically anyone who might conceivably be affected by a development can do.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Orbán's conduct has prompted a reexamination of how the EU accepts new members and monitors current ones.
    SAM McNEIL, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retrospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospect. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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