retroactive
adjective
ret·ro·ac·tive
ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv 
: 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
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
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
The placement is retroactive to Wednesday, meaning Pressly is first eligible to return on Aug. 29 when Houston opens a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 17 Aug. 2024
Resist the urge to dig into your partner’s past relationships…
Even if there's no reason to doubt their loyalty, retroactive jealousy (an unhealthy obsession with their previous romantic relationships) can still creep in.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retroactive 
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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
The placement is retroactive to Wednesday, meaning Pressly is first eligible to return on Aug. 29 when Houston opens a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 17 Aug. 2024
Resist the urge to dig into your partner’s past relationships…
Even if there's no reason to doubt their loyalty, retroactive jealousy (an unhealthy obsession with their previous romantic relationships) can still creep in.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retroactive
Dictionary Entries Near retroactive
Cite this Entry
“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retroactive. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retroactive
adjective
ret·ro·ac·tive
ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv
: 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
: 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
: 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
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