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
Alcala received the death sentence at trial, but a series of appeals, reversals and subsequent trials left Alcala in prison until 2019, when California placed a moratorium on capital punishment.
—
Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
The reversal and new A/D buy signals on September 11th started a significant shift in sentiment.
—Tom Aspray, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
By acknowledging the elephant in the room, the new version can keep the Southern drawl and courtroom reversals while changing almost everything else.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024
That’s a reversal from the previous five years when the ratio had been narrowing — a trend that may have partly been driven by average median earnings for women rising because so many low-wage women had been pushed out of full-time jobs.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal 
Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
The reversal and new A/D buy signals on September 11th started a significant shift in sentiment.
—Tom Aspray, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
By acknowledging the elephant in the room, the new version can keep the Southern drawl and courtroom reversals while changing almost everything else.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024
That’s a reversal from the previous five years when the ratio had been narrowing — a trend that may have partly been driven by average median earnings for women rising because so many low-wage women had been pushed out of full-time jobs.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal
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 31 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share