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, 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 That’s how the US central bank reacted to the steep tariff hikes last year, as well as — in retrospect mistakenly — to the initial jump in consumer prices in 2021. Chris Anstey, Bloomberg, 6 Mar. 2026 Given that potential timeline, the idea of pushing back the California drilling analysis and laying low on the subject — granted, that’s not Trump’s style — might eventually seem like a good one in retrospect. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospect
Noun
  • Every gold review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of gold products.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Over in the customer review section, shoppers are praising the pants’ breathability and flattering fit.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 10 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
  • On Thursday, an appellate court judge reversed her conviction and remanded the case to the lower court for reconsideration.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • On Wednesday morning, the bill’s Senate floor sponsor Treg Bernt, R-Meridian, asked for reconsideration before a full roster of senators in the chambers.
    Mark Dee March 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 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 12 Apr. 2026.

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