RETROACTIVE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

retroactive

adjective

Definition of retroactive

as in retrospective

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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 retroactive And the retroactive nature of the proposal raises potential constitutional questions that some rich folks would be only too happy to test in court. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Entry-level employees in the museum store and security and facilities associates will receive raises of between 8 and 22 percent, retroactive to July 1. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The limits are also not retroactive, meaning if passed, all current members will have the opportunity to serve another two full terms. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 The agency will issue retroactive data through the first quarter of 2021. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retroactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retroactive

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

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

Adjective

Baitz’s story is set in Palm Springs, in December, 2004, at the home of Polly and Lyman Wyeth, an opulent sandstone aerie with meditative views of the desert, a massive Christmas tree, and portraits of eminences like Barry Goldwater.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Zaitova fell in love with the meditative process of creating mosaics using natural stone, smalt, and glass tile.

— Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of meditative

Adjective

Community members' opposition to data center development in Memphis is reflective of the broader attitude across America in recent months.

— Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, a Mexican national and West Adams resident, appeared in court wearing a reflective vest with the name of a landscaping company, blue jeans and boots with the American flag on them.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reflective

Adjective

Hans Op de Beeck’s first dalliance with a luxury house feels a lot like his art — hushed, contemplative, and slightly under the radar.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplative

Adjective

Set on the eve of the Korean war, this ruminative story follows a midwestern family that’s fractured by a mother’s sudden disappearance.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026
But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.

— Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

Definition of ruminative

Browse Nearby Words

retro

retroactive

retrofit

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

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Synonyms of retroactive

adjective

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