RE-VERSAL Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

reversal

noun

ri-ˈvər-səl

Definition of reversal

as in reverse

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the company's long-term strategy is sound, and they should be able to weather this latest reversal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

status quo

as in turnaround

a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite parents need to be consistent in their discipline policy, as reversals will only undermine the whole process

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of reversal Before the reversal, Brown was set to stand trial this month. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 These stark reversals on sports betting reflect a broader shift in public opinion. — Josh Appel, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 Her appearance Sunday at a religious service in Santa Rosa, followed by greetings with supporters in the town square, represented a striking reversal. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026 Those reversals come while at least part of the world community is reexamining the past. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversal

Noun

Heated grips come as standard, while a reversible gearshift mechanism allows riders to switch to a race-style reverse shifting pattern for circuit use.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel took the ball from quarterback Brock Purdy but then flipped it to Jacob Cowing on a reverse.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverse

Noun

On Wednesday night’s opening possession, Randle sized up Charlotte Hornets forward Naz Reid, took two dribbles to his left, then drilled a turnaround jumper from the free-throw line.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Darling opened in late August 2025 with a bang and a twist — and eventually a vital turnaround.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of turnaround

Noun

Other potential launch providers, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin, are both working through setbacks with their launch vehicles.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
As last week’s red flag warning took effect, the reservoir remained out of service after a series of setbacks during repairs.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

Brandon McElroy, who founded the nonprofit Green Air Solutions to lead the fight against J7, said in an interview that the denial was a decisive win.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
If the company chooses to obey, the Chinese might retaliate with the denial of crucial rare-earth metals.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of denial

Noun

In a turnabout from Orbán’s hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar’s government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat.

— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
In a turnabout from Orbán's hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar's government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of turnabout

Noun

Love was unclear on the reasons for her volte-face, but speculated that Sky had failed to convince Bake Off stars like Paul Hollywood to make the switch.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
The volte-face in transfer strategy is not necessarily negative.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of volte-face

Noun

As for touch-screen controls, assuming this debuts, this will be a massive about-face for Apple, which for ages has shrugged aside the effectiveness and necessity of touch screens on laptops.

— Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
The White House and Vance’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his rhetorical about-face.

— Eli Hager, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of about-face

Noun

After some hesitation, the co-anchor finally placed his crown on his head.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The slowdown in investment was put down to government hesitation over changes to Italy’s domestic tax incentive for TV shows and films.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Browse Nearby Words

revering

reversal

reversals

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of reversal

noun

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