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
While retrospective scenes were not new to cinema (having been used in the 1939 adaptation of Wuthering Heights to great effect before), this was one of the first instances in a crime story.
—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
The current model of compliance is largely retrospective—organizations assemble batch records, deviation histories and documentation trails to prove after the fact that processes were followed.
—
Nagesh Nama,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
But her demotion comes after Flores’ former employer, UT MD Anderson, a cancer center at the University of Texas, recently completed a retrospective review of a number of studies she co-authored.
—
Christopher O'Donnell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2026
Cocurated by the artist’s son Christopher Rothko, the retrospective features more than 70 works from major international museums and private collections, from the 1930s to the 1970s.
—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
The current model of compliance is largely retrospective—organizations assemble batch records, deviation histories and documentation trails to prove after the fact that processes were followed.
—
Nagesh Nama,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
But her demotion comes after Flores’ former employer, UT MD Anderson, a cancer center at the University of Texas, recently completed a retrospective review of a number of studies she co-authored.
—
Christopher O'Donnell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2026
Cocurated by the artist’s son Christopher Rothko, the retrospective features more than 70 works from major international museums and private collections, from the 1930s to the 1970s.
—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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This raises a question that sounds philosophical but is becoming increasingly practical.
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The three men’s alignment on that philosophical premise means that Víg’s scores rarely require lengthy revision rounds.
Adjective
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My mood might dictate a mellow classical or a nostalgic rock n’ roll journey.
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One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray is back on screens reviving his role as the ultimate millennial poster boy in a new campaign for Bubly promoting the brand’s new nostalgic Melted Ice Pop flavor.
Adjective
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Most of them end before David’s verse, which Rayan describes as an unusually introspective account of her life as a superstar.
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Simón’s new film — introspective, often visually breath-stopping, and lensed with glittering coastal beauty by cinematographer Hélène Louvart — premiered at Cannes 2025 in competition, went on to play at myriad festivals, and is only now opening in the United States from Janus Films.
Adjective
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More research from Sean Zerillo on X found that virtually all offensive analytical data has surged over this time period too.
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Multiple draft experts say Graves is favored by analytic models.
Adjective
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Create an agenda that names who does what, and map the route so your thoughtful plan serves the group together.
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Over the years, Lucas and his wife have transformed the space from a simple above-ground pool into a backyard destination complete with thoughtful upgrades and finishing touches.
Adjective
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This transparent pink has a reflective finish that creates a striking shine with one coat.
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Make sure the shiny, reflective side is facing out.
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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