REVERSAL 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 Although Infantino insisted that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee makes its decisions independently, the reversal caused outrage among many in the soccer world. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 In particular, Waller noted the impact that the artificial intelligence boom is having, outweighing the waning impact from tariffs and the energy reversal. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 July 2026 The most interesting consumer behavior Hammett is seeing is a reversal of the traditional travel planning process. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Included in this is a reversal of how things usually go in the balance of supply and demand between launch vehicles and satellite operators, Ars reports. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversal

Noun

It was tested in both forward-spraying and reverse-suction modes.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
The Charlotte Latin Mass Community, which once helped Latin Masses spread to more than a dozen locations, saw that expansion reverse after Pope Francis restricted the older rite in 2021.

— Emily Broyles, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Definition of reverse

Noun

Mattingly has since orchestrated a significant turnaround for the Phillies, now serving as their interim manager and coaching in the National League All-Star dugout.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
The Fijians were tough and clinical in a huge turnaround from last weekend when they were humiliated by England 73-8 in Liverpool.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of turnaround

Noun

Hamlin’s strong second-place finish was a setback for the two drivers competing with him for the points lead — particularly Tyler Reddick, who finished 30th after a collision with Alex Bowman on Lap 183.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Despite the setbacks, Ali has continued to voice his enthusiasm for the project, if it ever gets picked up.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

Definition of setback

Noun

After all, 27% of small businesses reported facing a customer data breach, while 26% experienced a ransomware attack or a denial of service attack, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 16 July 2026
The lawmakers’ request — a moment of bipartisan scrutiny on a controversial federal health care program — comes just one month after a government investigation unearthed a continuing pattern of denials within Medicare Advantage.

— Casey Ross, STAT, 15 July 2026

Definition of denial

Noun

Another meeting was scheduled for next week with the club’s media team and, though Pereira has experience of working with Marinakis previously at Olympiacos in Greece, the whole volte-face appears to have completely caught him out.

— Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 1 July 2026
This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.

— Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026

Definition of volte-face

Noun

In a striking about-face, Janza immediately announced that Slovenia would cancel its previous recognition of Palestine and move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

— Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
However, there was an about-face when security concerns prevented her and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from a full visit to Harry’s home country.

— Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of about-face

Noun

Trust reduces hesitation, especially when people are comparing options fast and looking for a reason to stay.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Rather, congressional hesitation on what would be the largest election reform in decades reflects an awareness of constituent needs and lawmakers’ own reelection risks.

— SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reversal

noun

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