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
In a major reversal after a decade of working to phase out nuclear technology, Japan in 2022 announced plans to accelerate reactor restarts and bolster nuclear power as a stable energy source.
—
ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The reversals highlights how the world’s biggest energy-importing region is being particularly hard hit by the war in the Middle East and the lack of access to oil and fuel from the Persian Gulf.
—Nicholas Lua, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Scholars such as the ethnomusicologist Michael Fuhr saw K-pop as a reversal of long-standing narratives, especially in pop music, that accentuated the flow of culture from West to East.
—Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
The Ducks struck first after Kreider’s heady reversal of the puck at the offensive blue line sent Carlsson ahead with speed and a two-on-one rush, setting up the familiar sight of Carlsson finding Gauthier for a one-timer.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The reversals highlights how the world’s biggest energy-importing region is being particularly hard hit by the war in the Middle East and the lack of access to oil and fuel from the Persian Gulf.
—Nicholas Lua, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Scholars such as the ethnomusicologist Michael Fuhr saw K-pop as a reversal of long-standing narratives, especially in pop music, that accentuated the flow of culture from West to East.
—Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
The Ducks struck first after Kreider’s heady reversal of the puck at the offensive blue line sent Carlsson ahead with speed and a two-on-one rush, setting up the familiar sight of Carlsson finding Gauthier for a one-timer.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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