Definition of retrospectnext
as in review
a usually critical look at a past event in retrospect, we should have saved more money for college

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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 retrospect Their words of caution were ignored (fortunately, in retrospect), and enterprising experimentalists embarked on a journey that would take nearly half a century, and the construction of three powerful colliders, to bear fruit. Mariangela Lisanti, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 That’s how the US central bank reacted to the steep tariff hikes last year, as well as — in retrospect mistakenly — to the initial jump in consumer prices in 2021. Chris Anstey, Bloomberg, 6 Mar. 2026 Given that potential timeline, the idea of pushing back the California drilling analysis and laying low on the subject — granted, that’s not Trump’s style — might eventually seem like a good one in retrospect. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026 The trouble, at least for me, is that this kind of speech is mostly fiction; the path is only a path in retrospect. Charles Yu, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospect
Noun
  • However, that review gave no indications that their origins were extraterrestrial.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • TourScoop coversguided group tours and tour operators,tour operator reviews,tour itinerary reviews andtravel gear recommendations.
    Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Frisell will turn 75 on March 18, midway through his current tour, and retrospection is a constant throughout In My Dreams.
    Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The system also supports global retrospection.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On Wednesday morning, the bill’s Senate floor sponsor Treg Bernt, R-Meridian, asked for reconsideration before a full roster of senators in the chambers.
    Mark Dee March 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Legislators on the committee later agreed to grant what’s called reconsideration, meaning there is a chance, albeit slim, that Strickland’s Senate Bill 1035 could be brought up again.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For founding members Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey, the reappraisal of this material was an opportunity to fly the Heavenly banner once again, reforming to play live for a new generation of fans and to start work on their first album in 30 years.
    Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
  • And when revelations from the journal of the late neurologist/author Oliver Sacks were used in a reappraisal of his work in a recent New Yorker.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Initially hailed as unique images from a hidden world, the footage now warrants reexamination.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Still, critics argue the retraction underscores the need for careful reexamination as the agency approaches a 2026 deadline to review glyphosate’s safety.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retrospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospect. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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