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
Some believe the move may indicate a reversal from an earlier surprise endorsement of Trump by Horowitz and his investment partner, Mark Andreesen.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024
On Wednesday stock markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen saw a sharp reversal of recent gains, while Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index tumbled following its best two-week period in nearly two decades.
—Juliana Liu, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024
This is a rare pattern that tends to precede a trend reversal.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
The move aligns with the company’s changing demographics—a majority of the company’s customers now identify as female, a reversal from last year.
—Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal 
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024
On Wednesday stock markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen saw a sharp reversal of recent gains, while Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index tumbled following its best two-week period in nearly two decades.
—Juliana Liu, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024
This is a rare pattern that tends to precede a trend reversal.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
The move aligns with the company’s changing demographics—a majority of the company’s customers now identify as female, a reversal from last year.
—Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 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 22 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
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