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
Trump officials' focus on recouping payments from defaulted student loan borrowers was a reversal of the Education Department's strategy under former President Joe Biden, which centered more on providing borrowers with additional options to get current on their bills.
—
Annie Nova, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
The announcement, made via social media ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signals a potential reversal of a decades-long moratorium in place since 1992.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
The administration is now arguing that the fund is not usable, which Kogan said is a course reversal.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
What was the driving factor in that reversal of fortune?
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Annie Nova, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
The announcement, made via social media ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signals a potential reversal of a decades-long moratorium in place since 1992.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
The administration is now arguing that the fund is not usable, which Kogan said is a course reversal.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
What was the driving factor in that reversal of fortune?
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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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