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
Given the incident was spotted by the on-field referee and action taken during the game, the Brazil international is not expected to face any retrospective disciplinary sanctions from English football’s governing body.
—
Ali Rampling, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
In heralding the occasion with this exclusive interview, the always engaging historian adds a distinguished grace note to the retrospective tone of City & Shore magazine’s 25th Anniversary Issue.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
The retrospective observational study looked at 1,903 patients 65 and older who underwent rehabilitation at the hospital from April 2017 to March 2024, according to a press release.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
The research, which hasn’t been published yet, was a retrospective study of six patients like Anna Claire, who had both Turner syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Ali Rampling, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
In heralding the occasion with this exclusive interview, the always engaging historian adds a distinguished grace note to the retrospective tone of City & Shore magazine’s 25th Anniversary Issue.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
The retrospective observational study looked at 1,903 patients 65 and older who underwent rehabilitation at the hospital from April 2017 to March 2024, according to a press release.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
The research, which hasn’t been published yet, was a retrospective study of six patients like Anna Claire, who had both Turner syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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Perhaps the most important question about AI in cars is not technical, but philosophical.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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That intimacy provides an emotional counterpoint to Rushdie’s more philosophical musings about art and religion, free speech and resistance, violent intent and forgiveness.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Groundhog Day is coming up, leaving some fans nostalgic for an iconic '90s film.—
Marina Johnson,
IndyStar,
30 Jan. 2026
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Amazon Prime miniseries run the gamut from psychological thrillers to nostalgic melodramas, proving short-form television can trade punches without overstaying their welcome.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Armed with cultural relevance, introspective lyricism and genre-defying artistry, this album further cemented his dominance not just in música urbana but in popular culture overall, elevating him to true household-name status.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
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As the introspective journey draws to a close, the filmmaker floats the idea of continuing the project into the future, even after his departure.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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What to know about the family The FBI has been assisting Pima County investigators in the case, providing technical and analytical support, such as going through cell phone and cell tower data, conducting interviews and reviewing tips.—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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Yet those assumptions have not been tested through a new Traffic Impact and Access Study — the standard tool for evaluating projects of this scale — nor through a consistent analytical framework.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Open since 2023, the hotel is a thoughtful restoration of the once-chic but long dormant Union Club, the former gathering place for industrialists and politicians.—
John Bowe,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
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Nights call for dinner at Beefbar, where prime cuts and thoughtful vegetarian dishes anchor the menu.—
Molly Barstein,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec created this gorgeous look by layering a reflective, shimmery pink over a true red polish.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
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These reflective masses of relatively young material were deposited many millions of years ago during cataclysmic asteroid strikes that excavated vast basins on the lunar surface.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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