as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retardation
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
But there are also other factors contributing to the job decline, such as price compression caused by oversupply, which has forced many operators to cut costs, including labor expenses.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
That's when crossings at the border first began their sharp decline, a trend that accelerated after Trump took office.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
Consumers and businesses are changing their spending habits, contributing to a noticeable slowdown in the economy.—
Christian Weller,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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This report portrays the current state of the housing sector, with analysts watching for signs of any further slowdown in sales activity.—
Catherine Baab,
Quartz,
18 May 2025
Noun
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Rub it with a few drops of oil before putting it away to maintain the nonstick seasoning long term.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
25 May 2025
-
Except for a drop last year to 495 people, deaths of homeless people have risen steadily for at least a decade.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article GAINESVILLE — Florida freshman slugger Taylor Shumaker ended her weekend slump in record-setting fashion but not before shortstop Rylee Holtorf showed why the Gators will be a tough out during the Women’s College World Series.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 May 2025
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Amid a poor shooting slump in the preseason, Josh Hart volunteered to join the second unit.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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