Synonyms of reversal

reversal

noun

ri-ˈvər-səl 

1

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

• reverse
• setback
• reversion
• lapse
• decline
• knock
• disappointment
• downfall
• turnaround
• regression
• frustration
• breakdown
• collapse
• fall
• recession
• letdown
• turnabout
• relapse
• undoing
• retrogression
• comedown
• descent
• down
• crash
• ruin
• meltdown

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quo

2

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

• turnaround
• change of heart
• denial
• turnabout
• volte-face
• about-face
• hesitation
• about-turn
• U-turn
• flip-flop
• retraction
• retreat
• wobbling
• reconsideration
• disavowal
• renunciation
• recantation
• switcheroo
• repudiation
• disaffirmance
• disownment
• second thought
• vacillation
• indecision
• bait and switch
• irresolution
• wavering
• shilly-shallying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reversal

While the balk reversal was big moment in the game, the Marlins held on to close out the series opener in the ninth. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Previous Instadocs episodes have covered the reversal Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder conviction and prediction markets. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026

That opportunity marks a dramatic reversal from how investors viewed AI's impact on cybersecurity earlier this year. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

The reversal is also a setback for Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and the driving force behind the Met Gala. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026