Retrograde Definition & Meaning

retrograde
adjective
  1. moving from east to west on the celestial sphere; or--for planets--around the sun in a direction opposite to that of the Earth
  2. of amnesia; affecting time immediately preceding trauma
  3. going from better to worse
  4. moving or directed or tending in a backward direction or contrary to a previous direction
verb
  1. move backward in an orbit, of celestial bodies
  2. move in a direction contrary to the usual one; "retrograding planets"
  3. move back; "The glacier retrogrades"
  4. go back over; "retrograde arguments"
  5. get worse or fall back to a previous condition

Synonyms for retrograde

backward adv

at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward

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declining
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deteriorating
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failing adj

below acceptable in performance; "received failing grades" a flaw or weak point

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regress noun

the reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence returning to a former

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regressing
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regressive adj

(of taxes) adjusted so that the rate decreases as the amount of income increases opposing progress

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rehash noun

old material that is slightly reworked and used again

♫ Rhymes
retral adj

moving or directed or tending in a backward direction or contrary to a previous direction at or near or toward the

♫ Rhymes
retreat noun

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

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"Retrograde" in song lyrics

See how retrograde is used in real songs:

  • "mercury retrograde"
    AOL — AOL
  • "mercury retrograde 2006"
    AOL — AOL
  • "astrological forecasts retrograde"
    AOL — AOL

Words that rhyme with retrograde

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Usage tips for "retrograde"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "retrograde" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for retrograde to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with retrograde ↔ Synonyms for retrograde 🔬 Words containing retrograde

Frequently asked questions

What does retrograde mean?
moving from east to west on the celestial sphere; or--for planets--around the sun in a direction opposite to that of the Earth of amnesia; affecting time immediately preceding trauma going from better to worse moving or directed or tending in a backward direction or contrary to a previous direction move backward in an orbit, of celestial bodies move in a direction contrary to the usual one; "retrograding planets" move back; "The glacier retrogrades" go back over
What part of speech is retrograde?
Retrograde is an adjective and a verb.
How many definitions does retrograde have?
Retrograde has 9 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, verb).

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