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]

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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

But in retrospect it was a matter of when, not if.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

"It was not about only the nomination, it was about the whole experience," Eyni explains, "and I think her life, in retrospect".

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

“Uh, I think you have Mr. Morrison to thank for that. He’s the one that lost his mind in class, which in retrospect was perfect, because now we have our own club. Ha!”

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan