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

Synonyms of reversal

• reverse
• setback

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

For now, UnitedHealth is trying to convince Wall Street that this is a reset, not a reversal of fortune. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026

Target’s sales cratered, in part because consumers were angry about its DEI reversals. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Staying quiet on a key economic issue like immigration represents a reversal in the public relations strategies of a once vocal group of corporate giants. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

In a reversal of that decision, Chinese officials have now granted in-principle approval for Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance to prepare orders for the advanced AI chips. —Joe Toscano, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reversal

• time reversal

Rhymes for reversal

• demersal
• dispersal
• rehearsal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids 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

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