reversal

noun

re·ver·sal | \ ri-ˈvər-səl

Definition of reversal

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 Example Sentences Learn More about reversal

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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

But McConnell's team has been aggressive in trying to tar McGrath as too liberal for the state, and has taken particular joy in her reversal on Kavanaugh. — Ben Kamisar, NBC News, "Amy McGrath repeatedly changes mind on Kavanaugh question," 12 July 2019 Aliza Kaplan, a Lewis & Clark College law school professor and director of the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, said two-thirds of people sentenced to death in the past 35 years had won reversals. — oregonlive.com, "New law would limit Oregon’s death penalty to rare cases: Accused MAX train killer Jeremy Christian and others would face life in prison," 12 July 2019 The administration's reversal was first reported by Axios. — Fortune, "Who Wins and Loses as White House Withdraws Drug Rebate Plan," 11 July 2019 The administration’s rebate reversal was first reported by Axios. — Washington Post, "Setbacks for Trump’s drive to lower prescription drug costs," 11 July 2019 Sanders had earlier campaigned against a prior waterfront development plan, and so his seeming reversal on the question sparked some of the hardest left-wing criticism of his tenure. — Matthew Zeitlin, The New Republic, "Bernie’s Red Vermont," 13 June 2019 But usually those reversals weren’t known to extend to genitalia. — Quanta Magazine, "Why Evolution Reversed These Insects’ Sex Organs," 30 Jan. 2019 Following a monthlong standoff, Iran’s shootdown of a U.S. spy drone last week and Mr. Trump’s last-minute reversal of a plan to mount retaliatory strikes, European leaders urged both sides to show restraint and consider negotiations. — Michael R. Gordon, WSJ, "U.S. Sanctions Threat Still Looms Over Iran’s Top Diplomat," 29 June 2019 Not everyone has such a reversal of fortune as Shakur at the event. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Stand Down kicks off weekend of help for homeless vets," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reversal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.