ret·ro·spect
ˈre-trə-ˌspekt 
1
: a review of or meditation on past events
2
archaic
: reference to or regard of a precedent or authority
see also:
retrospected; retrospecting; retrospects
: to go back over in thought
Examples of retrospect in a Sentence
Noun
in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The seeds of success were planted deep in, uh, fertilizer over the last three years, but, in retrospect, the first indication that 2026 might be a little different was the surprise signing of Munetaka Murakami this winter.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026
It is now considered one of the best film performances of the era — and, in retrospect, quite against-type for the wholesome Griffith.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for retrospect
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Noun
Risk is assessed in retrospect rather than in real time.
—Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The seeds of success were planted deep in, uh, fertilizer over the last three years, but, in retrospect, the first indication that 2026 might be a little different was the surprise signing of Munetaka Murakami this winter.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
This year's Computex show is likely to be seen, in retrospect, as one of the most consequential ever.
—Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026
It is now considered one of the best film performances of the era — and, in retrospect, quite against-type for the wholesome Griffith.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
Verb
In retrospect the unfolding of Watergate in the press and the courts and Congress is our American Oresteia.
—Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for retrospect
Cite this Entry
“Retrospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrospect. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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