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

This month, Venus and Mercury both go retrograde in your 10th house, which brings a familiar discomfort that goes hand in hand with being publicly perceived by the world. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026 As the name suggests, the watch also has a retrograde date display combined with a moon phase. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, Mercury in Scorpio can make work details feel confusing or anxious, as Saturn retrograde questions whether your friend groups and long-term hopes still resonate. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026 Mercury and retrograde Venus in your 10th House also keep your public direction under review. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrograde

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrograde

Adjective

BodyEnergy introduced a new version of its motorless flat treadmill with Ab-drive, featuring a front abdominal roller that enables natural backward stride propulsion to biomechanically mimic running outdoors.

— TIME Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis called the Week 4 loss a backward step.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of backward

Adjective

The console lets users play N64 games with their original cartridges and controllers, using FPGA hardware instead of emulation software—the standard for retro machines—so there’s no lag during play.

— Jessica Sager, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Coincidentally named Jordan Green, he is played by Rock himself and cuts a retro figure, with an outfit—a rain jacket, a tie, a fedora—that reads like a nostalgic nod to classic-jazz album covers.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of retro

Verb

Such a summit would be unprecedented and deeply alarming to Ukraine’s European allies, particularly as relations between Washington and Kyiv deteriorate.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
The situation deteriorated further after the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 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

Verb

But this morning an air of foreboding awakened me, and my little fishing barometer was already descending past the 29 mark.

— Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Authorities say Riek and his passengers were flying to Menominee from Kenosha, and the NTSB said Riek reported icing on the wings and needed to descend.

— Frankie McLister, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of descend

Adjective

Noyce, of Fairchild, went to a photography store and found a few serviceable lenses in a crate of antique movie cameras.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Someone wants to hike; someone else would rather browse antique shops; a few people are already asking what’s for dinner.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of antique

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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retrograde

adjective

verb

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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