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

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

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

From BBC

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon added that he also asked Altman to apply these changes retroactively and to review previous incidents that may have been referred to law enforcement for further investigation.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times