reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
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
The significant increase in the research series is merely little more than a slight reversal of the 753,000 decline from the previous month.
—
Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Her reversal on the idea came after two weeks of testimony in which witnesses accused the sheriff of misconduct, bullying and an inappropriate relationship with her former chief of staff, Victor Aenlle.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
The data marked one of the first reversals after more than a decade of increasing despair.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Although several of the film’s surprises are predictable — usually just moments before the reversal comes — no one is likely to figure out Rahim’s connection to the bomb.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Her reversal on the idea came after two weeks of testimony in which witnesses accused the sheriff of misconduct, bullying and an inappropriate relationship with her former chief of staff, Victor Aenlle.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
The data marked one of the first reversals after more than a decade of increasing despair.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Although several of the film’s surprises are predictable — usually just moments before the reversal comes — no one is likely to figure out Rahim’s connection to the bomb.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 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 Sep. 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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