retrospection

noun

ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or process or an instance of surveying the past

Synonyms

• reappraisal
• reconsideration
• reexamination
• retrospect
• review

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

Yet at its best, the Robertson tribute — produced by Blackbird Presents, which also put on Willie Nelson’s two-night 90th-birthday extravaganza last year at the Hollywood Bowl — had a liveliness that cut through the many-layered retrospection of it all. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024

The long days of 2024 marked the brand’s 15th anniversary: an occasion for retrospection and, for Porte Jacquemus, new ambitious goals. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

Thoughtful retrospection is too rare these days ― but not for Ruth. —Robert Leonard, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

Madonna has marketed her tour as a celebration and retrospection of her career, and she’s played a lot of her classic hits from the ’80s. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

retrospection

noun

ret·​ro·​spec·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈspek-shən 

1

: the act or power of recalling the past

2

: retrospect