reversal

noun

re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What followed the takeover can only be described as a total reversal of the progress made in the country during the twenty years of the Afghan Republic, and the return of terror. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 For President Donald Trump, whose political career has benefited from voter anxiety over Washington elites, the health of his predecessor and the riches of Wall Street, the past week offered a reversal of fortune. Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 19 July 2025 Newsom, a Democrat who has increasingly tangled with Trump over issues from immigration to wildfire, said the state would fight the funding reversal. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 July 2025 On his third trip to China this year, the world’s ninth richest man announced this week that Nvidia Corp. will resume China sales of its H20 chips, an abrupt policy reversal from the Trump administration. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reversal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: an act or the process of reversing

Medical Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on reversal

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