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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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
  • Extremely intense wildfires have been known to reach firebreaks, and their effectiveness is influenced by a complex set of environmental factors, a review study published earlier this year found.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The company was selected following a competitive review that assessed technical maturity and the commercial scalability of technologies that could strengthen domestic energy supply chains.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Adding to the sagging mood is a broader reconsideration of AI’s returns on investment.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • The ruling comes several months after Judge Caproni issued a similar holding in a reconsideration motion by the league and the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retrospection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospection. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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