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
But the spectacular ending delivers a dose of philosophical heft and lends retrospective resonance to the movie’s unusual form.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Comer’s bill would require federal agencies to reduce telework policies to their 2019 levels within 30 days and require them to submit retrospective studies to Congress within 6 months to detail how the hybrid models impacted their work.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
As part of the retrospective, the festival’s closing gala on April 26 at the ICA will be a screening of Has’ The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973).
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025
This Art + Practice retrospective highlights the creative and community work of the media arts innovator who opened an independent studio for video production that doubled as a community arts center and an experimental training ground for young Black artists in the 1980s.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retrospective 
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Comer’s bill would require federal agencies to reduce telework policies to their 2019 levels within 30 days and require them to submit retrospective studies to Congress within 6 months to detail how the hybrid models impacted their work.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
As part of the retrospective, the festival’s closing gala on April 26 at the ICA will be a screening of Has’ The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973).
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025
This Art + Practice retrospective highlights the creative and community work of the media arts innovator who opened an independent studio for video production that doubled as a community arts center and an experimental training ground for young Black artists in the 1980s.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retrospective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective
Adjective
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The society of the time – the Greeks, Romans, Jews – preferred to see things in an intellectual or philosophical light.—
Gordon Pennertz,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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As vaccine hesitancy spreads, as states allow for religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions, and as vaccine mandates are removed, more unvaccinated children have become susceptible.—
Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The crowd-pleaser was seriously nostalgic, packed with references to the original film, such as a cameo from Val Kilmer's Iceman and, yep, that famous beach volleyball scene filled with suntans, sunglasses, and abs for days.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
7 Feb. 2025
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These recent dual looks incorporate Rae’s more wacky sartorial leanings too: A chaotic hodge podge of nostalgic colors and shapes, with kitschy graphics and accessories.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Carmelo, who could incorporate a moment or two of introspective reflection in her uncompromisingly ferocious portrayal, will travel with the rest of the cast to Washington, D.C. Bean’s Tom bristles at the way Wynona plays the race card.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2025
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Starting with your celestial ruler, Venus, entering Aries on Feb. 4 — a sign where the love planet is in detriment — its journey through your introspective 12th house forces you to face emotional baggage and unconscious relationship patterns holding you back.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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For all you analytic freaks look at how many more shots St. John’s took that ‘Nova, look at how many more offensive rebounds.—
Jim Root,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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The intimacy in Akerman’s film is a matter of structural poetry, of analytic rapture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Savvy hotelier Jayson Seidman purchased the Italianate mansion (built by architect Thomas Sully in 1883) in 2019 and, in a thoughtful overhaul, created a true city living room.—
Jenny Adams,
AFAR Media,
11 Feb. 2025
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Through the window, a thoughtful stranger handed him an unexpected gift.—
Ronnie Li,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The numbers are reflective of the historic season delivered by Barkely, who, in his first year since leaving the Giants, totaled 15 touchdowns in the regular seasons and has five more in the playoffs.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
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Pete was a gentle spirit, creative, inquisitive, and reflective.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near retrospective
Cite this Entry
“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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