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
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
The decision marks yet another reversal in a race that has become one of the more unusual locally in this election cycle.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
In a major reversal from last year’s strength, Goldman has dropped 11% in 2026, while Wells has declined more than 20% year to date.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
Ideas like reparative journalism and sousveillance — an antonym for surveillance, concerning watching the watchmen in a reversal of power — earn fleeting mentions, but are never the focus of actual inquiry.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
In a major reversal from last year’s strength, Goldman has dropped 11% in 2026, while Wells has declined more than 20% year to date.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
Ideas like reparative journalism and sousveillance — an antonym for surveillance, concerning watching the watchmen in a reversal of power — earn fleeting mentions, but are never the focus of actual inquiry.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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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