retroactively

American  

[re-troh-ak-tiv-lee] / ˌrɛ troʊˈæk tɪv li /

adverb

1. in a way that includes or refers to events that happened before the relevant rule, decision, or other measure came into effect.

   One other state has just passed a Racial Justice Act, but it doesn’t allow any of the inmates now on death row to file claims retroactively.

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Other Word Forms

• nonretroactively adverb
• unretroactively adverb

Etymology

Origin of retroactively

retroactive ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Federal regulations bar airlines from retroactively charging customers a new or increased fuel surcharge once they have already paid for their flight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

He has declared vast areas "state land", and claims to have approved or retroactively authorised 69 new settlements.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

It would prohibit any state from levying taxes retroactively on people who no longer live there.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

After he and his wife died, a local tax assessor retroactively revoked the exemption and denied the tax credit to their son who lived in the home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

The supervisor agreed to let him sign up for the special plan retroactively.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz