RETROSPECTIVE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

retrospective

adjective

as in philosophical

given to or marked by reflection of the past Her book takes a retrospective look at the actor's long and distinguished career.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 retrospective Yeah, so the law has this long-standing distinction between what the lawyers would call prospective relief and retrospective relief. —

Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Crushing Fielded Forces from the Air Contrary to some retrospective claims, Desert Storm was not an example of AirLand Battle in action. —

David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 The first stop on this retrospective journey is the Cold War, a time marked by scientific breakthroughs that were both awesome and terrifying. —

Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026 Given the incident was spotted by the on-field referee and action taken during the game, the Brazil international is not expected to face any retrospective disciplinary sanctions from English football’s governing body. —

Ali Rampling, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective

Adjective

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
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