reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
1
: an act or the process of reversing
In a sudden reversal, the mayor decided not to run for reelection.
2
: a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa
3
: a change (as of fortune) often for the worse
a financial reversal
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
The Union’s move is a small reversal of a decades-long trend away from scholastic sports as a soccer development tool.
—
Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 19 June 2026
But as the November election draws closer and Republicans are trying to defend their majorities, Trump is instead needling Congress with his demands and reversals, driving several Republican senators to disparage his actions publicly for the first time.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
The guilty plea was a stunning reversal for Heuermann who, according to his lawyer, tearfully denied being responsible for the killings after his arrest in 2023.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 June 2026
The reversal comes after the agency’s May 21 announcement of its intent to remove hundreds of deep-sea buoys and sensors employed by the $368-million Ocean Observatories Initiative had drawn congressional and international backlash.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 19 June 2026
But as the November election draws closer and Republicans are trying to defend their majorities, Trump is instead needling Congress with his demands and reversals, driving several Republican senators to disparage his actions publicly for the first time.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
The guilty plea was a stunning reversal for Heuermann who, according to his lawyer, tearfully denied being responsible for the killings after his arrest in 2023.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 June 2026
The reversal comes after the agency’s May 21 announcement of its intent to remove hundreds of deep-sea buoys and sensors employed by the $368-million Ocean Observatories Initiative had drawn congressional and international backlash.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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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