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

Synonyms

• reverse
• setback

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

Barring drastic reversals, San Diego will cruise into its fourth postseason in six years, while the Giants will miss the postseason for the eighth time in nine years. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

The president’s warm remarks were a stark reversal from just four days earlier, when Trump called for Tan’s resignation and accused him of having conflicts of interest. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025

This is a reversal from 2022, the year the war started, when most favored Ukraine fighting until victory, and only a fifth wanted a negotiated end as soon as possible. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

Remember all the employee benefits companies instituted in 2022 after the reversal of Roe v. Wade? —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reversal

• time reversal

Rhymes for reversal

• demersal
• dispersal
• rehearsal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids 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

Legal Definition

reversal

noun

re·​ver·​sal

1

: an act or the process of reversing

2

: an instance of reversing

the reversal of the lower court's decision