as in philosophical
given to or marked by reflection of the past
Her book takes a retrospective look at the actor's long and distinguished career.
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Recent Examples of retrospective
For other comedians, the retrospective meditation is about grappling with existential dread rather than Nanjiani’s focus on the trap of his external public persona.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
The festival offers retrospective conversations, exhibitions, and special screenings, as well as a wide range of other competitions throughout the event.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Even beyond Autumn/Winter 2023 content, retrospective-style content on celebrities on the runway, supermodels and Paris Fashion Week has outsized appeal with the TikTok community.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
The retrospective marks one of the first major festival focuses devoted to Hamed’s work in Europe.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
The festival offers retrospective conversations, exhibitions, and special screenings, as well as a wide range of other competitions throughout the event.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Even beyond Autumn/Winter 2023 content, retrospective-style content on celebrities on the runway, supermodels and Paris Fashion Week has outsized appeal with the TikTok community.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
The retrospective marks one of the first major festival focuses devoted to Hamed’s work in Europe.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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Many white-collar workers will likely face a philosophical reckoning about what AI means for their profession—one that goes beyond fears of layoffs.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
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For Atlanta, the trade signals a full philosophical reset centered on developing rising talent like Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and rookie Zaccharie Risacher.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Opt for warm-toned lights to help your space feel extra cozy, or choose multi-colored lights for a touch of nostalgic ‘90s charm.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Inside, a nostalgic feast of Italian maximalism has been scrupulously returned to its former glory by Alfio Puglisi, whose family have owned this shrunk-in-the-wash, flamboyant palazzo since the 17th century.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Still, the year comes to a close on a deeply introspective note as Venus and Mercury retrograde through Scorpio in October, prompting reflection around intimacy, trust and emotional truth.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Told in direct in introspective prose, Hjorth is able to conjure the creaky overconfidence of adolescence and all its uncertainties.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sure, but with Tilis and his analytical and financial teams around, expect for those moves to be dissected and discussed thoroughly to reach a decision.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
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In the decades since, analytical philosophers have produced all manner of models meant to explain how consciousness arises.—
Dan Turello,
New Yorker,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some parents carefully vetted and chose thoughtful names to add to the birth certificate, while others undoubtedly may have selected them on a whim or as a result of losing a bet.—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
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Soft, breathable materials and thoughtful construction have made the silhouette way more wearable, offering a happy medium between your comfiest sneakers and your dressiest pumps.—
Nina Derwin,
Glamour,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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If natural light isn't sufficient, install grow lights or use reflective surfaces.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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Stewart has explained the film as being designed as a reflective experience for the audience that unflinchingly shows the subconscious ways memory lives within the human body.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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