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
This blanket omission marked an astonishing reversal of fortune for Adjaye, who had been poised to become the profession’s next international superstar and seemed a shoo-in to win the coveted Pritzker Prize.
—
Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Public buy-in is essential for any government choosing to embrace nuclear power; officials must convince their citizens that nuclear power is a safe and necessary option for energy security, or risk losing public support and ending up with a policy reversal down the line (as happened in Germany).
—Julius Cesar Trajano, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
There are a few reversals of fortune on the way to Dan putting his divorce-via-murder plan into action, however, as well as a half dozen plot twists and wild tonal shifts heading your way at 120mph.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Much of that advance has already unraveled, with the stock recently changing hands near $8 — a sharp reversal that underscores the volatility of such trades.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Public buy-in is essential for any government choosing to embrace nuclear power; officials must convince their citizens that nuclear power is a safe and necessary option for energy security, or risk losing public support and ending up with a policy reversal down the line (as happened in Germany).
—Julius Cesar Trajano, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
There are a few reversals of fortune on the way to Dan putting his divorce-via-murder plan into action, however, as well as a half dozen plot twists and wild tonal shifts heading your way at 120mph.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Much of that advance has already unraveled, with the stock recently changing hands near $8 — a sharp reversal that underscores the volatility of such trades.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 23 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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