reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
1
: an act or the process of reversing
2
: a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa
3
: a change (as of fortune) often for the worse
Examples of reversal in a Sentence
In a sudden reversal, the mayor has decided not to run for reelection.
the reversal of a decision
a surprising reversal in the value of the stock
We had a role reversal. I became the leader and he became the follower.
In a reversal of roles, he is now taking care of his mother.
Reversal of the decision is unlikely.
Recent Examples on the Web
But Gush Emunim and other right-wing groups saw the accords as a shocking reversal.
—
Mark Mazzetti Jonathan Davis Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 16 May 2024
Monday’s 2-1 decision was a reversal from last year’s ruling by a federal judge, which ruled that the contest should be able to continue because, in their opinion, the lawsuit was expected to fail.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 4 June 2024
House Speaker plays reverse card The reversal by Johnson exposes a tension: Do advocates who’ve been fighting for inclusion opt to keep the current limited program or continue to fight for expansion?
—Danielle Prokop, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
That reversal, however, comes at a time when 38 states have legalized medical use of marijuana, two dozen have taken the further step of legalizing recreational use, and seven out of 10 Americans oppose pot prohibition.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 25 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal 
Mark Mazzetti Jonathan Davis Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 16 May 2024
Monday’s 2-1 decision was a reversal from last year’s ruling by a federal judge, which ruled that the contest should be able to continue because, in their opinion, the lawsuit was expected to fail.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 4 June 2024
House Speaker plays reverse card The reversal by Johnson exposes a tension: Do advocates who’ve been fighting for inclusion opt to keep the current limited program or continue to fight for expansion?
—Danielle Prokop, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
That reversal, however, comes at a time when 38 states have legalized medical use of marijuana, two dozen have taken the further step of legalizing recreational use, and seven out of 10 Americans oppose pot prohibition.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 25 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reversal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl
: an act or the process of reversing
Medical Definition
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl
: an act or the process of reversing
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