as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
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Recent Examples of retardation
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—
Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
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In its most recent quarterly results, Microsoft’s closely watched Azure cloud-computing division posted a slight deceleration in growth from the prior quarter.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Do note, though, that the airbag will activate only in frontal accidents and under certain deceleration conditions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Estrogen decline is linked to higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Microsoft saw its stock fall 23% over the first quarter, more than the 7% decline of the tech-heavy NASDAQ, marking the worst quarter for its share price since 2008.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, the economic slowdown in China and ballooning public debt in the United States are in part due to the two powers’ aging populations.—
John Rennie Short,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
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Memory stocks — Shares built on Friday’s slight rebound in these names after a major sell-off in the stocks due to Google research that investors feared could preview a slowdown in chip demand.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ducati says this is to avoid unintentional engagement of neutral during the last and most crucial stage of braking.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Apr. 2026
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Drivers should also be prepared for sudden changes in visibility, maintain extra distance between vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration—especially on hills or sharp turns.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Consider a misting device or a drop fountain.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With a $300 price drop, this is a rare chance to grab a professional-grade, 49-inch curved monitor for a mid-range price.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His response to his slump showed that he is built for New York.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Starting off in a slump, especially a season that comes with such high expectations, is never easy.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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