retroactive
[re-troh-ak-tiv]
- operative with respect to past occurrences, as a statute; retrospective: a retroactive law.
- pertaining to a pay raise effective as of a past date.
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Origin of retroactive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for retroactive
Contemporary Examples
For a pair such as Viola and Perov, who have co-created work for decades, there is also precedent for retroactive co-authorship.
Lavalle and his three pals allegedly pocketed a cut of the retroactive lump sum ofas much as $100,000 that each claimant received.
What this may do is reduce the retroactive awards that folks get when they finally manage to get their disability claim approved.
The corroboration that apparently led him to put faith in Ben-Menashe's testimony was retroactive.
Despite his red-hot debate showings—and a retroactive win in Iowa—Senator Sweatervest was basically a nonfactor in Florida.
Historical Examples
There is not any question that we do not want to make it retroactive.
“Retroactive to the time I started working on the story,” added Penny.
Clue of the Silken LadderMildred A. Wirt
On the other hand, the retroactive effects of true charity are most beneficial.
The Moral Instruction of ChildrenFelix Adler
This is what occurs in the retroactive attitude of the head.
Delsarte System of OratoryVarious
Love is expressed by a retroactive, never by a forward movement.
Delsarte System of OratoryVarious
retroactive
- applying or referring to the pastretroactive legislation
- effective or operative from a date or for a period in the past
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for retroactive
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper