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 In the most recent film, human beings become feral primitives in a classic role reversal. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 The researchers called it a reversal of the usual pattern, in which younger Americans are quicker to embrace new technology. — Sasha Tuddenham, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026 The results marked a reversal from a July survey by the same firm, which found Thompson ahead 40% to 28%. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The role reversal comes to a head this season when Ada is expected to foot the bill for Agnes’ grand soirée for the president. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversal

Noun

Also on Thursday, the 10-year Treasury yield slammed on the brakes and went into reverse, falling below 5% and tumbling in the largest single-day decline since March 10, 2023 — the day that Silicon Valley Bank imploded.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Normally, when an enthusiast community reverse-engineers a closed device, an official patch quickly follows.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverse

Noun

The cable cars’ Powell Street turnaround is a couple of blocks away, and Chinatown, the oldest in North America, is a short walk.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Chapter 11 bankruptcy would allow for the hospital to restructure its debt under court supervision and come up with a turnaround plan while remaining open.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 5 Nov. 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

And about three-quarters of physicians report that denials have increased over the past five years.

— Mariska Breland, STAT, 4 Nov. 2026
The denial comes as blockchain analytics firms trace billions of dollars in cryptocurrency stolen from Binance through thousands of wallets across multiple blockchains.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Nov. 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

Indeed, Michigan voters simply should decide for themselves what to take into account, including Stevens’ about-face.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
That pivot represents a rare about-face for a tech giant that has sought to remake the world in its own image, consumer happiness be damned.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of about-face

Noun

Caplin News / Florida International University Part of his hesitation came from questioning whether his vote could influence an election, particularly in presidential races decided through the Electoral College.

— Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
In the fourth quarter against Knicks, Wilson ran up the court in transition, collected a pass at the top of the key and fired off another 3 with the same signature lack of hesitation.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of reversal

noun

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