BACKWARD-LOOKING Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

backward-looking

adjective

Definition of backward-looking

as in nostalgic

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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

The initiative includes a retrospective exhibition that traces the evolution of beachwear and a special opening-night show that combines live music, imagery and technology to demonstrate the durability of garments and innovation in textiles.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
The Pop master is the subject of a retrospective opening this week at New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of backward-looking

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes