reversal

noun

re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Filip realized an inevitable role reversal had occurred. Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024 After a couple rounds of appeals and reversals, the man left the nursing home and died four days later. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 This might seem like a pretty big flip-flop, but A) times change, and B) compared to Netflix’s reversal on advertising and password sharing, Iger’s evolution barely registers on the corporate hypocrisy meter. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024 Several Democrats slammed the president for his decision, which marks a reversal of his previous stance on the issue. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reversal 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reversal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reversal

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: an act or the process of reversing

Medical Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on reversal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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