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