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

Synonyms

• reverse
• setback

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

Whether this triggers a more disorderly unwind in gold remains to be seen, of course, and there's no telling how stocks might correlate to such a reversal. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025

The potential closure of Head Start sites represents a sudden reversal in progress as the KC-area sites recover from recent cuts and closures. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025

Derrickson intended for this to be a reversal of the first movie’s character dynamics. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

That’s a reversal from a Trafalgar poll conducted prior to the scandal, which showed James up 4 points (49 percent to 45 percent). —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reversal

• time reversal

Rhymes for reversal

• demersal
• dispersal
• rehearsal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids 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

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