retroactive

adjective

ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past
especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition
retroactive tax
retroactively adverb
retroactivity noun

Did you know?

We normally think of time as constantly moving forward. Since retroactive seems to defy time's forward movement, retroactive taxes, laws, and regulations are often seen as particularly obnoxious and unfair. But nobody ever objects to receiving a retroactive raise at work. When we judge historical people and events in terms of present-day morality and attitudes, our retroactive judgments may indicate that we're too impressed with ourselves and ignorant of history.

Examples of retroactive in a Sentence

They all received a retroactive pay raise. The new tax will be retroactive to January 1.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Finally, though the tax was made law this year, it was made retroactive back to 2022. Trevor Wagener, Sun Sentinel, 19 Nov. 2024 The Twins recalled second baseman Edouard Julien to replace Buxton; the start of the IL stint was retroactive to Tuesday. Dan Hayes, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024 The ballot measure would have overhauled the current system of electing judges at regular terms and was retroactive, meaning judges could remain on the bench even if they were individually voted off. Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024 One of the unfortunate holdovers of 2010s startup culture is the retroactive application of customer feedback after a product is ready for market. Meeri Savolainen, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retroactive 

Word History

Etymology

French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive — more at agent

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retroactive was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near retroactive

Cite this Entry

“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retroactive. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: intended to apply or take effect at a date in the past
a retroactive pay raise
retroactively adverb

Medical Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: having relation or reference to or efficacy in a prior time
specifically : relating to, caused by, or being obliteration of the results of learning by immediately subsequent activity
retroactive inhibition

Legal Definition

retroactive

adjective
ret·​ro·​ac·​tive ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce retroactive (audio)
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past
especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition
a retroactive tax
see also ex post facto law
retroactively adverb
retroactivity noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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