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.
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Recent Examples of retrospective
State officials emphasize that Phase 1 currently includes physician review of every prescription, but the program’s design phases that review out once volume and safety benchmarks are met, moving first to retrospective audits and then to random-sample checks.
—
Alon Bergman, STAT, 11 May 2026
The festival will also feature Bi Gan Blues from April 29 to May 3 — a retrospective program comprising six of his works.
—Rino Lu, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Amid archival research for the songwriter’s 2010 career retrospective box set, On the Rural Route 7609, it was revealed that the two American kids raised in the heartland are an interracial couple.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
That retrospective orientation is inherent to the model.
—Andrew S. Boutros, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Alon Bergman, STAT, 11 May 2026
The festival will also feature Bi Gan Blues from April 29 to May 3 — a retrospective program comprising six of his works.
—Rino Lu, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Amid archival research for the songwriter’s 2010 career retrospective box set, On the Rural Route 7609, it was revealed that the two American kids raised in the heartland are an interracial couple.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
That retrospective orientation is inherent to the model.
—Andrew S. Boutros, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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One of the film’s biggest reflections involves a heady discourse on dialectical materialism, a complicated philosophical principle based on how opposing forces and contradictions fuel change.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
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Aside from the snail’s contributions to modern armor and material sciences, Copley says, there are philosophical reasons to preserve the future of a creature that lives in an environment as alien and inaccessible to humans as any ecosystem on our planet.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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On at least half these 14 songs, McCartney is taking an unapologetically nostalgic look at his ever-present past.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
23 May 2026
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The gingham pattern adds a nostalgic softness, balancing its tailoring with a sense of ease and familiarity.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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This question is introspective and gives the recipient a chance to be vulnerable, a building block of the best friendships.—
Anna Goldfarb,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
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This work is often dismissed as introspective or indulgent.—
Suzanne Roske,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Jobs in technology and finance, for example, are at greater risk largely due to generative artificial intelligence, which can supplant a human's analytical skills, according to a 2025 report by Indeed.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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Likewise, a highly analytical investor may be better suited for long-term fundamental investing than emotional macro trading.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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There’s also a spacious indoor area filled with educational toys and games, and the friendly staff facilitate thoughtful activities like Nautical Knot Tying, Anguillan Boat Racing, nature walks, steel drum lessons, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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Instead of approaching pre-season cleaning as a frantic clear-out, experts suggest embracing thoughtful edits, a natural flow, and season-less updates that make a home feel lighter, more timeless and deeply personal.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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The fabric carries a soft, almost reflective sheen, lending the silhouette a sense of movement even at rest.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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And then an older, more mature, more reflective Kyle Busch spoke to FS1 after the race.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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