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
Maduro’s capture is a seismic reversal of fortune for Cuba’s communist-run government, which for decades has relied on massive aid packages from its oil-rich South American ally for the island’s very survival.
—
Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
The reversal of advances by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra — bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman respectively — could help cool tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Narcan vending machines dispense the overdose reversal medication for free at a half-dozen CTA stops across Chicago.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The chart below shows the daily P & L of 100 shares of Nvidia in orange versus 1 Nvidia January 16, 2026, 120/150/200 call spread risk reversal.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
The reversal of advances by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra — bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman respectively — could help cool tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Narcan vending machines dispense the overdose reversal medication for free at a half-dozen CTA stops across Chicago.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The chart below shows the daily P & L of 100 shares of Nvidia in orange versus 1 Nvidia January 16, 2026, 120/150/200 call spread risk reversal.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Jan. 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 6 Jan. 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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