Definition of retrospectionnext
as in retrospect
a usually critical look at a past event the president is confident that future retrospections will cast his actions in a more favorable light

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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 retrospection In 2026, portal days are particularly important as times of self-reflection and retrospection. — Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2025 For Paola Sasplugas the 10th anniversary of her jewelry brand PDPaola has offered a moment of retrospection. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025 Though the new album deals in retrospection, the group continues moving forward. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025 But framing Paul American as a retrospection on labor, with the boys and their family and their lackeys gassing them up over and over, just isn’t that interesting. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retrospection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospection
Noun
  • In retrospect, this sounds like foreshadowing … or at least a good omen.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • What created the album’s alchemy is more obvious in retrospect.
    — Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • An 87th-minute apparent own goal for the Revolution was overturned after video review, with referee Sergii Boiko ruling Luca Langoni offside on the play.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Without a review of the actual mailpieces involved, the Postal Service is unable to comment further.
    — Christie Zizo, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For Part Three, however, even that concept required some reconsideration.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The pilot program’s opponents failed to muster the 10-vote, two-thirds majority required to send it back to the Police Commission for reconsideration.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retrospection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospection. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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