reversal

noun

re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The Congressional Budget Office's estimates for fiscal 2023 say the federal budget deficit will rise to $1.4 trillion, which is larger than previous projections and marks a reversal of the decline in deficits over the past several years. Jack Birle, Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2023 The move marks a reversal for the actor, who exited his position as the show’s co-lead, playing hedge fund billionaire Bobby Axelrod, after season five. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2023 The rally marks a sharp reversal from last year when value stocks, or those that trade at low multiples of their book value, or net worth, stood out in a down market. Hardika Singh, WSJ, 17 Feb. 2023 Women’s reentry into the labor market marks a reversal compared to most of 2020 and 2021, and eases economists’ fears that steep early pandemic job losses would take a longer-lasting toll on women’s employment. Abha Bhattarai And Luis Melgar, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Feb. 2023 Women’s reentry into the labor market marks a reversal compared to most of 2020 and 2021, and eases economists’ fears that steep early pandemic job losses would take a longer-lasting toll on women’s employment. Luis Melgar, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2023 But a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 50,000 more babies were born in the US in 2021 than in 2020, marking the first major reversal of the downward trend. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023 Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the U.S. would donate 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, marking a reversal of past policies. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 25 Jan. 2023 This marks a reversal from Q3 when the company added a net of 30,000 subscribers. Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reversal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reversal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reversal

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: an act or the process of reversing

Medical Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on reversal

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