as in nostalgic
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Recent Examples of backward-looking
For a form that takes aim at the issues of the present, the protest song in 2026 is curiously backward-looking.
—
Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
In recent years, Warsh has grown increasingly critical of the Fed, arguing that the institution has become excessively focused on backward-looking economic data rather than anticipating changes, Deutsche Bank analysts said in a December 15 report.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Powell was also asked about whether the Fed’s economic models focused too much on backward-looking data and don’t incorporate game-changing developments like AI.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
By contrast, the United States relies on backward-looking indicators such as trade balances and foreign direct investment flows.
—Noosheen Hashemi, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Yet the stock’s reaction to earnings has remained uniformly positive, suggesting investors have been more focused on forward commentary and positioning than backward-looking results, the Wall Street research firm said.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
This backward-looking bias is especially dangerous at times of disruption, precisely when organizations need leaders who can learn, adapt, and reinvent themselves.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
However, others believe the backward-looking data will do little to ease current concerns about the employment situation, which continues to exhibit signs of difficulty.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025
That’s especially true when compared with the director’s usual, backward-looking fare, which has dominated his oeuvre during the past two decades.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
In recent years, Warsh has grown increasingly critical of the Fed, arguing that the institution has become excessively focused on backward-looking economic data rather than anticipating changes, Deutsche Bank analysts said in a December 15 report.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Powell was also asked about whether the Fed’s economic models focused too much on backward-looking data and don’t incorporate game-changing developments like AI.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
By contrast, the United States relies on backward-looking indicators such as trade balances and foreign direct investment flows.
—Noosheen Hashemi, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Yet the stock’s reaction to earnings has remained uniformly positive, suggesting investors have been more focused on forward commentary and positioning than backward-looking results, the Wall Street research firm said.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
This backward-looking bias is especially dangerous at times of disruption, precisely when organizations need leaders who can learn, adapt, and reinvent themselves.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
However, others believe the backward-looking data will do little to ease current concerns about the employment situation, which continues to exhibit signs of difficulty.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025
That’s especially true when compared with the director’s usual, backward-looking fare, which has dominated his oeuvre during the past two decades.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward-looking
Adjective
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The shots of the house have an almost nostalgic glow but seem a little lonely.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
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Rich, creamy, and scented with cinnamon and vanilla, there’s something truly cozy and nostalgic about creamy rice pudding.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Festivalgoers were at the ready with retrospective lists of their favorite screenings, parties and run-ins.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Feb. 2026
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When Zhang started the trial, there had already been some observations in retrospective studies that patients who got morning immunotherapy infusion times did dramatically better than those who got late afternoon ones.—
Angus Chen,
STAT,
2 Feb. 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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In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Olha Nasonova, 52, who is head of the Restaurants of Ukraine analytical center, says the industry is experiencing its most difficult period of the past 20 years.—
Kamila Hrabchuk,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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While every suicide is devastating, this is a small number statistically, which creates analytical limitations.—
Eleanor M. Perfetto,
STAT,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backward-looking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward-looking. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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