RETROGRADE Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

retrograde 1 of 3

adjective

ˈre-trə-ˌgrād

Definition of retrograde

as in backward

directed, turned, or done toward the back retrograde pedaling will engage the brakes on that bike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

as in retro

pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time the loft's retrograde decor seeks to capture the look and feel of the swinging '60s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

retrograde

2 of 3

verb

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the Dark Ages, the period following the fall of the Roman Empire when Western civilization seriously retrograded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

retrograde

3 of 3

adverb

as in counterclockwise

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 retrograde

Adjective

Whether the same will hold true in people is for now unclear, though an analysis of human cells grown in the lab and patient brain tissue suggests blocking the retrograde flow of electrons could make neurons healthier. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026 Chiron turns retrograde in your 11th House of Friends, bringing up old sensitivity around belonging, loyalty, or being the one who keeps everyone emotionally fed. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

However, the problem is the moon’s square to Pluto retrograde along with its clash to the sun and Jupiter, so flexibility isn’t going to come naturally — not even close. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Saturn stations retrograde in your 2nd House of Resources, asking you to review spending, earning, values, and the cost of saying yes too easily. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrograde

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrograde

Adjective

Despite being tightly controlled, technologically backward, and subject to crippling Western trade embargoes, the country has recorded year-on-year GDP growth of more than 3%, of which many advanced economies could only dream.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Aug. 2026
And while Dillagence 2 looks backward, Rhymes remains acutely interested in what’s happening next.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of backward

Adjective

Sincerity and audacity are not opposing forces but complementary ones in this space, and for writers, retro programmers, and other film fans who came of age after midnight at the movies, Curry’s impact persists as its own kind of religion.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
The curvy wood frame and oversized door pulls give the Scandi-centric piece a bit of retro appeal without feeling dated.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of retro

Verb

Behrouz Mehri | Afp | Getty Images France's deteriorating public finances and political deadlock are becoming a growing concern for bond investors, with borrowing costs near financial-crisis-era highs as another difficult budget battle looms.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Israel has seen its own relations with Turkey deteriorate during Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s more than two-decade rule.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Adverb

Alex Wix, who has traveled extensively around Iceland by car and plans private itineraries through her company, Wixsquared, recommends driving it counterclockwise.

— Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Complete 10 circles clockwise and 10 circles counterclockwise.

— RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 24 June 2026

Definition of counterclockwise

Adjective

Kofi Kingston performed a vintage elimination save spot with help from Prince Nana as the two wheelbarrowed back into the ring.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Birmingham is popular with motorcycle and auto racing fans because of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which boasts the largest collection of vintage motorcycles and Lotus race cars.

— Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vintage

Verb

After descending in a metal cage elevator, Riff Raff removes his cape, revealing Frank-N-Furter in a corset, fishnets and pearls.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Video captured by security cameras perched on the mountainside show the horrifying moment when the wall of mud descended on the Gyirong Port facility, swallowing the six-story building whole as dozens of people run for their lives.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of descend

Adjective

Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma sent a set of antique jewels from the grand ducal family to the Parisian jewelry house.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Taylor’s fourth husband was responsible for many of her most famous baubles, including an antique diamond tiara and a Cartier ruby and diamond suite.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of antique

Verb

However, entering June, crude prices pulled back significantly, while retail gasoline prices declined at a markedly slower pace.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
At home several center-right parties initially declined to join his coalition, illustrating the challenge of uniting the broader Brazilian right behind his candidacy.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

retrofitting

retrograde

retrograded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of retrograde

adjective

verb

adverb

Example Sentences

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