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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Recent Examples of throwback
Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
One co-parent, Jean-Marc Liling, said the arrangement in many ways felt less like a social revolution than a throwback.
—Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
This winter, of course, has been an exception—a throwback.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
The album's eclectic throwback sound pays tribute to the singer's Boricua roots, incorporating traditional genres such as Plena, salsa and jibaro into his signature Latin urbano style.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for throwback
Noun
He was asked about his playing style and its old-school, throwback nature.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
One co-parent, Jean-Marc Liling, said the arrangement in many ways felt less like a social revolution than a throwback.
—Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
This winter, of course, has been an exception—a throwback.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
The album's eclectic throwback sound pays tribute to the singer's Boricua roots, incorporating traditional genres such as Plena, salsa and jibaro into his signature Latin urbano style.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for throwback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throwback
Noun
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Now the 10% is for stubborn old fogies who refuse to change their ways and try something new.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Old fogey-ish, ungrateful and stupid.—
Katie Hafner,
Scientific American,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Many remain fearful in the aftermath, left wondering whether a sense of normalcy ever will return and venting frustration with local authorities, who seemingly did nothing to intervene amid the chaos.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Pomeranz found that success once his fastball returned between 92 and 93 mph last season.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While pleased to see the digital reconstruction, Martin said the geological age of the fossil remains unclear since different techniques have arrived at varied dates.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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The Upper Cretaceous units of the Bauru Group in Brazil boast one of the most impressive fossil records of reptilian clades, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, the Hudson Farmers' Market draws local growers and makers with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and flowers on Saturdays from spring to fall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The movie is all about old-timers, and it’s filled with real old-timers.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2026
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Age mandates for trees worry some environmentalists Woodlands that are healthy, biodiverse and able to provide food and habitat for myriad species usually have a mix of tree types, from skinny saplings to looming old-timers.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Iranian retaliatory attacks appear to be declining — ballistic missile strikes have fallen by 90% and drone attacks by 83%, according to US Central Command — potentially easing pressure on Gulf states that have faced Iranian strikes in recent days.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bonta’s office declined to comment.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the Seventies, he was mocked as a Vegas has-been in a jumpsuit; in the Eighties, as a cultural colonizer.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
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When her estranged daughter unexpectedly moves into their crumbling Manhattan townhouse, the TV has-been is confronted with the one role she’s spent her entire life avoiding: motherhood.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Volume 1 about a troubled pregnant woman who accepts an invite to a dinner party which degenerates into a bloody and demented nightmare.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
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But 16 did, including two found in the human dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, a region of the brain that degenerates in Parkinson’s disease.—
Freda Kreier,
Hartford Courant,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Throwback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throwback. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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