as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples 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 retardation The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe. Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012 The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013 The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021 The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018 The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900). chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017 At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move. Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017 The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
  • The decline may not seem like a lot, but even a small shift matters in close elections — especially in battleground states with large union memberships, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The decline in childhood vaccination rates threaten herd immunity and will ultimately allow diseases that were thought to be eradicated to reappear.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Growth has stagnated as the country struggles with a real estate downturn, growing debt, rising youth unemployment and a slowdown in consumer spending.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The shares closed up 77% for the day, capping a remarkable run for Mao’s premium powders and lotions that have defied the nation’s consumer slowdown.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Asia, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Pinecone Drop is one of Arizona's many variations on the traditional ball drop to ring in the new year; Prescott drops a boot and Yuma used to drop a head of lettuce.
    Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Equipped with a countdown, special toast and balloon drop, this is your last chance to see Crockett ahead of his 2025 hype.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Mitch Marner’s tying goal was called back for being offside and the team needed to go back to the drawing board to score as the power play was in another slump.
    Omar White, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024
  • In the past three years, Sony’s stock (SONY) has started to break out of a decades-long slump.
    John Towfighi, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near retardation

Cite this Entry

“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on retardation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!