BACKWARD-LOOKING Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

backward-looking

adjective

Definition of backward-looking

as in nostalgic

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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 backward-looking The backward-looking sound sometimes pushes the band toward exciting switch-ups. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 Since the 2008 financial crisis, virtually every major piece of legislation – from Dodd-Frank to subsequent banking reforms – has been backward-looking, designed to address past crises rather than prepare for the next frontier. — Patrick McHenry, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Jeremy Porter, chief economist at First Street, said the backward-looking models are not correcting for climate and for all the sources of risk. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 18 June 2026 As a result, Moyn says, the country’s fate and character are being determined not by forward-looking people in their youth or their prime but by backward-looking ones in the final third of their lives. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backward-looking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backward-looking

Adjective

To add a cozy, nostalgic element to your home, the designers are sharing the top color combinations that are making a comeback.

— Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
White suggests nuts, popcorn, bite-size desserts, cheese boards, or, of course, nostalgic candy.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of nostalgic

Adjective

In her later years, Parton solidified her legacy — as multimedia business titan, as a world-class entertainer, and as a brand — through a series of high-profile public appearances and retrospective projects.

— Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Data for prospective studies is collected in real time, while retrospective studies look back at medical records.

— Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of retrospective

Adjective

He is best known for introducing the idea of dynamical similarity to cosmological systems — a mathematical realization of philosophical principles in physics.

— Big Think, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2026
Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of philosophical

Adjective

To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Rigaku brings its experience developing X-ray analytical systems and metrology technologies.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of analytic

Browse Nearby Words

backward

backward-looking

backwash

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“Backward-looking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backward-looking. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of backward-looking

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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