retrospective

adjective

Definition of retrospectivenext
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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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 retrospective But Chee’s first-person, present-tense narration differs from most in being, in a seeming paradox, retrospective. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 At the conclusion of the film, Boyle will return to the stage and join yours truly for an hourlong career-retrospective conversation that will be recorded for subsequent airing on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 Its retrospective mood invited speculation about a farewell, but the show contained no announcement of a departure. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 This beautiful retrospective volume shows a poet developing steadily, from the graceful descriptions and encoded trauma of the poems from the 1990s through the loosening music and political engagement of the books of the last ten years. — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
  1. philosophical
  2. nostalgic
  3. introspective
  4. analytic
  5. thoughtful
  6. reflective
Adjective
  • The weather rewrites your shooting schedule every morning, and there’s an almost philosophical lesson in learning to accept that without giving up.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The economist was infamous in London’s philosophical circles for arguing fervently—and, many thought, heartlessly—against poor relief.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • Versions of it exist across South Asia and beyond, each one slightly different but speaking the same nostalgic language.
    — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Handmade props and stop-motion animation give the magical realism a tactile quality, while nostalgic details deepen the story’s exploration of yearning.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of nostalgic
Adjective
  • The story is told from the perspective of infant twins with divergent personalities—Rose is unguardedly buoyant, whereas Marigold is watchful and introspective.
    — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Thankfully, Brandon is one of Austen’s most introspective suitors, and Nordrum is not unlike the character in real life — thoughtful, gentle and a little self-effacing.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of introspective
Adjective
  • Agents ask unanticipated questions across operational and analytical systems, often in real time.
    — Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • That, to me, raises the question of how universities should build the human competencies such as deep thinking, analytical reasoning, judgment, and taste.
    — Matt vandenBerg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of analytic
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • If a dog does come trick-or-treating, he or she should be kept on a short leash and outfitted in some reflective gear, and owners should be aware of their surroundings.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Photographed by Mert Alas, the campaign captures Shayk in the warmth of golden hour, illuminated by reflective light.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of reflective

Browse Nearby Words

retrospections
retrospective
retrospects
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Cite this Entry

“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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