retrospection

noun

ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce retrospection (audio)
Synonyms of retrospectionnext
: the act or process or an instance of surveying the past

Synonyms of retrospection

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Examples of retrospection in a Sentence

This is a time of retrospection for many people. the president is confident that future retrospections will cast his actions in a more favorable light
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.
Though the new album deals in retrospection, the group continues moving forward. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025 The retrospection tortures her. — Alexandra Rockey Fleming, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 But framing Paul American as a retrospection on labor, with the boys and their family and their lackeys gassing them up over and over, just isn’t that interesting. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 The system also supports global retrospection. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospection

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrospection was in 1624

Rhymes for retrospection

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Browse Nearby Words

retrospect
retrospection
retrospective
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Cite this Entry

“Retrospection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrospection. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retrospection

noun
ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce retrospection (audio)
1
: the act or power of recalling the past
2
: retrospect

More from Merriam-Webster on retrospection

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retrospection

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