BACKWARD-LOOKING Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

backward-looking

adjective

Definition of backward-looking

as in nostalgic

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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 backward-looking The backward-looking sound sometimes pushes the band toward exciting switch-ups. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 Since the 2008 financial crisis, virtually every major piece of legislation – from Dodd-Frank to subsequent banking reforms – has been backward-looking, designed to address past crises rather than prepare for the next frontier. — Patrick McHenry, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Jeremy Porter, chief economist at First Street, said the backward-looking models are not correcting for climate and for all the sources of risk. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 18 June 2026 As a result, Moyn says, the country’s fate and character are being determined not by forward-looking people in their youth or their prime but by backward-looking ones in the final third of their lives. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backward-looking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward-looking

Adjective

Its concept connects nostalgic dance music with contemporary party culture, creating a record designed to encourage movement and audience participation.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
However, with the rise of bag charms and nostalgic jewelry, the brand has found staying power past 2020 and continues to expand.

— Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of nostalgic

Adjective

Now titled Crosscut Asia+, the section will screen three recent festival hits, Four Seasons In Java, Filipiñana and Becoming Human, along with a selection of retrospective titles.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
The study was retrospective and observational, meaning researchers examined how outcomes differed among participants over time.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of retrospective

Adjective

The story is told from the perspective of infant twins with divergent personalities—Rose is unguardedly buoyant, whereas Marigold is watchful and introspective.

— Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Thankfully, Brandon is one of Austen’s most introspective suitors, and Nordrum is not unlike the character in real life — thoughtful, gentle and a little self-effacing.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of introspective

Adjective

To cope with this reality, philosophical and religious traditions such as Buddhism and Stoicism have long focused on transience, unpredictability, and the inevitability of change and loss.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Their enduring presence in literary and philosophical discussions speaks to the core function of the humanities—to explore, question, and better understand the forces that define our existence.

— Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of philosophical

Adjective

Agents ask unanticipated questions across operational and analytical systems, often in real time.

— Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
That, to me, raises the question of how universities should build the human competencies such as deep thinking, analytical reasoning, judgment, and taste.

— Matt vandenBerg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of analytic

Browse Nearby Words

backward

backward-looking

backwash

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“Backward-looking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward-looking. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of backward-looking

adjective

Example Sentences

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