retroactive
adjective
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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
Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2024
Biden campaign staff and allies have characterized the criticism as unfair and retroactive second-guessing, pointing to the president’s travel and his stamina through the roughly three-hour long event.
—Carol D. Leonnig, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
Since then, flight attendants at Southwest reached a deal that included an immediate 22.3% raise as of May 1 and $364 million in retroactive wages.
—Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 24 June 2024
So, although the new regulation seems to benefit taxpayers, the provision is not retroactive, according to a recent tax court ruling.
—Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for retroactive 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retroactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Retroactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retroactive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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retroactive
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retroactive
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retroactive
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