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
Ford today saw this reversal as a reflection of real actions that Sharaa has taken to reshape his objectives even prior to the fateful offensive that brought him to power.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Advertisement While the reversal in childhood mortality rates is alarming, Gates remains optimistic that in a few years, the trend will start moving in the right direction again, thanks to innovations such as new vaccines for RSV and treatments for malaria and tuberculosis that are on the horizon.
—Alice Park, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
Request a recall or reversal and ask for a hold harmless letter or letter of indemnity.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
People will likely die, but the full effects of this policy reversal, if adopted, won’t be felt for decades.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Advertisement While the reversal in childhood mortality rates is alarming, Gates remains optimistic that in a few years, the trend will start moving in the right direction again, thanks to innovations such as new vaccines for RSV and treatments for malaria and tuberculosis that are on the horizon.
—Alice Park, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
Request a recall or reversal and ask for a hold harmless letter or letter of indemnity.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
People will likely die, but the full effects of this policy reversal, if adopted, won’t be felt for decades.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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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