in retrospect

Idioms  

1. Looking backward, reflecting on the past. For example, In retrospect, he regarded his move as the best thing he'd ever done. This idiom employs retrospect in the sense of “a view of the past.” [Second half of 1600s]

---

Example Sentences

Now, in retrospect, public opinion is very different, with most Americans saying that the Iraq war was a mistake.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

The fact is you only know on something like this in retrospect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

She said that, as her adrenaline was pumping, she didn’t fear for her personal safety, “though in retrospect, maybe I should have.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

However, given the pressure they "did things that in retrospect were not necessarily the right things", he said.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

Much was made, in retrospect, of the fact that Root, in evening dress, charged into the rock-cold night without first putting on a coat.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson