in retrospect

phrase

: in considering the past or a past event

Examples of in retrospect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As was clear at the outset and became clearer in retrospect, this was essentially a bailout of one Musk company by another, with Tesla’s shareholders hung out to dry by forcing them to rescue the failing SolarCity. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Many of these roles saw Jeon summoning an intensity that surprised her only in retrospect. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 But what stood out to me in retrospect is that [Heated Rivalry] accomplishes a different task than these books usually do. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 There are a few clues along the way that, in retrospect, support the big twist, but nothing fully persuaded me of the overall credibility of the secrets exposed, or their plausibility beyond the dramatic demands of plot. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in retrospect

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in retrospect was in 1785

Rhymes for in retrospect

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Browse Nearby Words

in respect to
in retrospect
in return
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Cite this Entry

“In retrospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20retrospect. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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