retro
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for retro, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Deliberately styled after, or reminiscent of, an earlier era.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use retro
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French rétro, from Latin retro, "backward."
Full origin of retro →Frequently asked questions
What does “retro” mean?
The word “retro” means deliberately styled after, or reminiscent of, an earlier era. In plain terms, styled to look like it's from the past, usually in a fashionable, nostalgic way.
How do you pronounce “retro”?
“Retro” is pronounced REHT-roh (/ˈɹɛt.ɹoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “retro” in a sentence?
Here is “retro” used in a sentence: “She wore a retro dress straight out of the 1960s.”
What part of speech is “retro”?
“Retro” is an adjective.
Where does the word “retro” come from?
The word “retro” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French rétro, from Latin retro, "backward.".
Is “retro” a common word?
“Retro” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between retro and vintage?
Retro describes something deliberately styled after or reminiscent of an earlier era, even if newly made, while vintage typically refers to an original object actually made in that earlier period. A newly manufactured jacket designed to look like the 1970s is retro, while an actual jacket from the 1970s is vintage.
What is the difference between retro and classic?
Retro specifically evokes the style of a past era, often with a nostalgic or trendy feel, while classic describes something that has remained popular or respected over time regardless of its era-specific style. A classic design can be timeless rather than tied to a particular decade's look.
Is retro used only for fashion?
No, retro is used broadly for anything deliberately styled after an earlier era, including fashion, furniture, technology, music, and graphic design, not just clothing.