regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
Synonyms of regressivenext
1
: tending to regress or produce regression
2
: being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3
: decreasing in rate as the base increases
a regressive tax
regressively adverb
regressiveness noun
regressivity
ˌrē-ˌgre-ˈsi-və-tē How to pronounce regressive (audio)
noun

Examples of regressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The government says this amendment is about ensuring that benefits reach the right people, while LGBTQ+ rights activists call the law regressive. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 North Carolina offers a striking example of regressive taxation, ITEP reports. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Roosevelt’s record also revealed the limits of that promise; progressive promises could coexist with regressive burdens, legislative compromises, and disappointing results. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Connecticut’s own tax fairness studies also show regressive tax burdens are more easily transferred from one entity to another. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for regressive

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regressive was in 1634

Rhymes for regressive

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Browse Nearby Words

regression line
regressive
regressive sorites
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Cite this Entry

“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or tending toward regression
2
: gradually decreasing
a regressive tax

Medical Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression
regressive behavior
regressive tissue changes

More from Merriam-Webster on regressive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for regressive

Nglish: Translation of regressive for Spanish Speakers

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