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

Today both songs are regarded as key examples of the style that became known retroactively as yacht rock; on Spotify, each has more than 120 million streams.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

If it passes, it would retroactively apply to billionaires who were residents of the state on Jan. 1, 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

The College Board caved in to his pressure and retroactively gave credit to all the students who had identified her as incorrect.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker