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
What Nvidia’s reversal means for investors | Smart Investing
Most Popular
Slide 1 of 16
Is Nvidia in a bubble that’s about to burst?
—
Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024
Law student diversity, particularly at elite schools, shrank by up to 17% in the wake of the affirmative action reversal, a new study finds.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
On Monday, Trump Media & Technology Group reported a $58 million loss for last year, a reversal from a $50 million profit from the year before.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 1 Apr. 2024
Former President Donald Trump's fledgling media business is losing its sheen among investors a week after going public, with a sharp reversal in the company's stock price lopping $4 billion off its value.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2024
Narcan: The first opioid overdose reversal medication approved for over-the-counter purchase will soon arrive in many stores.
—Mike Baker, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024
Please note the spoonerisms throughout, that is, the reversals of initial consonant sounds:
The Easter Bunny’s a funny beast,
Gobbling down his bunny feast.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024
One toolkit that helps diagnose when trend reversals are more likely to occur is the DeMark Indicators.
—Michael Cannivet, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
The number keeps growing, albeit with the occasional reversal.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024
Law student diversity, particularly at elite schools, shrank by up to 17% in the wake of the affirmative action reversal, a new study finds.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
On Monday, Trump Media & Technology Group reported a $58 million loss for last year, a reversal from a $50 million profit from the year before.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 1 Apr. 2024
Former President Donald Trump's fledgling media business is losing its sheen among investors a week after going public, with a sharp reversal in the company's stock price lopping $4 billion off its value.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2024
Narcan: The first opioid overdose reversal medication approved for over-the-counter purchase will soon arrive in many stores.
—Mike Baker, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024
Please note the spoonerisms throughout, that is, the reversals of initial consonant sounds:
The Easter Bunny’s a funny beast,
Gobbling down his bunny feast.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024
One toolkit that helps diagnose when trend reversals are more likely to occur is the DeMark Indicators.
—Michael Cannivet, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
The number keeps growing, albeit with the occasional reversal.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
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 19 Apr. 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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