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throwback 1 of 2

noun

Definition of throwbacknext
as in fogy
a person or thing that is similar to someone or something from the past or that is suited to an earlier time
—usually + to She's a throwback to the actresses of the 1950s. The band's music is a throwback to the 1980s.

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throw back

2 of 2

verb

as in to return

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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 throwback
Noun
The campaign slogan is a throwback to an earlier era, when another Republican leader, Newt Gingrich, offered a Contract with America. — Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 The campaign slogan is a throwback to another Republican leader, Newt Gingrich, who offered a Contract with America. — Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026 On a superficial level, his plays, built around the emotional lives of his characters, can come off as a throwback to traditional realism. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Notoriously cheap, a throwback to the days of inept MLB owners. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throwback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throwback
  1. fogy
  2. return
  3. fossil
  4. fall
  5. old-timer
  6. decline
  7. has-been
  8. degenerate
Noun
  • There’s no old fogey-ness to Lorne.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
  • For the benefit of us old fogies?
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of fogy
Verb
  • Tight end Elija Lofton came off with an injury in the second quarter but returned in the second half.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Andrew returns home soon after, and the series shows Lizzie striking him in the head with the hatchet before delivering more than 20 additional blows.
    — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of return
Noun
  • Infrared spectroscopy showed that the fossil enamel looked a bit like that of the modern alligator, and its carbonate content matched that of modern reptilian enamel.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Named for the massive cliffs that stretch across 32 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs is also a mecca for fossil hunters.
    — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of fossil
Verb
  • David, not unlike Jerry, was afraid of falling and white-knuckled his way through.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • After, tuck yourself into a hammock and gaze up at the stars; you wouldn’t be blamed for falling right asleep.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fall
Noun
  • While the boys bicker over stickball rules, old-timers Keith Hernandez, Willie Randolph and Tom Seaver argue from a stoop.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • There are the old-timers who have been cracking jokes on stage since before Gen Zers were born, including Marc Maron, Chelsea Handler and Martin Lawrence.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of old-timer
Verb
  • His attorney, Daniel Gerdts, declined to comment after the hearing.
    — TIM SULLIVAN, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • There are also discussions about an adjacent White House meeting with AI CEOs next week, which House Majority Leader Mike Johnson referenced, but a representative for the speaker declined to provide further details.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • That career move quickly fizzled, leaving a sloppy drunk has-been in the debris.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Fans and the industry at large seemed to doubt her viability as a performer and were starting to regard her as a washed-up has-been.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of has-been
Verb
  • The National Hurricane Center says Fay could degenerate to a post-tropical cyclone in a day or two.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Philadelphia Eagles drastically overhauled their playbook after their offense degenerated in 2025, and the technical and philosophical changes Hurts must master demand a departure from the comfort zones of past systems.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of degenerate

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throwback
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Cite this Entry

“Throwback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throwback. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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