as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
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Recent Examples of retardation
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
The condition leads to a decline in the ability to independently function, think and reason.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
-
Policy journals brim with articles about American decline and the advent of multipolarity.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Even top producers should expect a slowdown in the first few months.—
Drew Gurley,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
The seeming slowdown in hate speech monitoring comes as antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault are on the rise in the United States and globally, the Anti-Defamation League reported, with 2024 deemed a peak year for antisemitism.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Both phones use Samsung’s Enhanced Armor Aluminium frame and take advantage of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect the display from drops and scratches.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 July 2025
-
The same day, discounts and coupons offered on Meituan had seen prices of a cup of coffee drop to as low as 2 yuan ($0.28), according to local media.—
Dylan Butts,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
But the longest slump of his career just keeps getting longer.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
-
Afp | Getty Images OSLO, Norway — Tesla continues to find solace in Norway, defying a sustained European slump amid a backlash over CEO Elon Musk’s incendiary political rhetoric.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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