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
While this chemical reversal typically requires extreme temperatures, these new multimetallic catalysts provide a feasible solution for driving the reaction under such demanding industrial conditions.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
This is a staggering reversal of roles that suggests the intellectual center of gravity is shifting eastward.
—Imran Khalid, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
The reversal came hours after Kerr was seen at Oracle Park during the Giants’ 5-1 loss to the San Diego Padres, taking in a little afternoon baseball just down the block from Chase Center.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Turner’s abdication of the spotlight marked a significant reversal of a lifelong habit of making headlines, a function of his willingness to say just about anything that crossed his mind during an interview.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
This is a staggering reversal of roles that suggests the intellectual center of gravity is shifting eastward.
—Imran Khalid, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
The reversal came hours after Kerr was seen at Oracle Park during the Giants’ 5-1 loss to the San Diego Padres, taking in a little afternoon baseball just down the block from Chase Center.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Turner’s abdication of the spotlight marked a significant reversal of a lifelong habit of making headlines, a function of his willingness to say just about anything that crossed his mind during an interview.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 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 13 May. 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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