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 degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
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
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 Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
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 front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
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
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 Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
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 front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
In the United States, there have been recent declines in some parents getting their children vaccinated, driven largely by the spread of misinformation, including the misconception that vaccination may be tied to autism.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN,
19 Feb. 2025
-
In total, German exports added up to 1.56 trillion euros last year, a 1.2% decline compared with 2023.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
After a brief pandemic slowdown, river lines are back in growth mode.—
Jeri Clausing,
AFAR Media,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Adrian’s aggressive expansion, built on a mountain of debt, unraveled amid interest rate hikes and China’s economic slowdown.—
Zinnia Lee,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Some states have experienced drops at the pumps, while in others, the cost of gas has increased.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
18 Feb. 2025
-
That helped offset a 5.5% drop for Conagra Brands, which lowered its forecasts for upcoming profit and other financial measures.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
With Tuesday’s gains, its shares are up nearly 31% this year following a 60% slump in 2024.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
19 Feb. 2025
-
However, Porter endured a bit of a slump as a sophomore.—
Mike DeFabo,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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