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

Synonyms of reversal

• 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

But Israel tops all concerns for some leftists, so Greene’s reversal on the issue is enough to win their support, and AOC’s refusal to embrace her is seen as a counterproductive purity test. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026

Researchers and advocates pushed back hard enough to force a reversal within days, but the broader damage was real. —Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

And his discussion of Turgenev’s The Singers, an ambling story that leads us to a singing competition in an inn, reveals a much quieter social reversal. —Literary Hub, 20 May 2026

That also could make the gains more vulnerable to reversal. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reversal

• time reversal

Rhymes for reversal

• 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