RETROSPECTIVE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

retrospective

adjective

Definition of retrospective

as in philosophical

given to or marked by reflection of the past Her book takes a retrospective look at the actor's long and distinguished career.

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Recent Examples of retrospective But Chee’s first-person, present-tense narration differs from most in being, in a seeming paradox, retrospective. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 At the conclusion of the film, Boyle will return to the stage and join yours truly for an hourlong career-retrospective conversation that will be recorded for subsequent airing on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 Its retrospective mood invited speculation about a farewell, but the show contained no announcement of a departure. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 This beautiful retrospective volume shows a poet developing steadily, from the graceful descriptions and encoded trauma of the poems from the 1990s through the loosening music and political engagement of the books of the last ten years. — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrospective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrospective

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

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 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

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

Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

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

Browse Nearby Words

retrospections

retrospective

retrospects

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“Retrospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrospective. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retrospective

adjective

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