retroaction

[ re-troh-ak-shuhn ]

noun

1. action that is opposed or contrary to the preceding action.

Word History and Origins

Origin of retroaction¹

First recorded in 1560–70; retro- + action

Example Sentences

The eight Biennial artists in “RETROaction” — out of the 82 that participated back in the day — may have started on the margins but they ended up being represented by top-tier galleries.

From New York Times

“RETROaction” is similarly ambitious, though much smaller.

From New York Times

Thirty years later, at a moment where we seem to be dealing with so many of the same issues — pandemic, realignment of geopolitical boundaries, war, police brutality, economic crisis — “RETROaction,” at Hauser & Wirth, revisits these two art world events.

From New York Times

The purpose of “RETROaction,” according to Fowle and Bhabha, is not to relive 1993 at a 30-year remove.

From New York Times

What is to become of the prison population in a state known to dole out excessive sentencing for some crimes that have since been deemed misdemeanors, yet no retroaction was afforded?

From Washington Post