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 The performance was a sharp reversal from Friday’s opener, when Long Island fell 121-111. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026 If Hinojosa follows the lead of other Democratic governors, there is potential for a reversal in messaging to one in which the message from Texas is that Washington is doing too much. — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026 And a defense on Tuesday followed by a reversal on Wednesday tells the public the first position was never a conviction. — Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 In a reversal of emotions, Lake Brantley coach Garrett Kruczek decided not to gather his team to learn its playoff fate. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversal

Noun

Ortiz put his gun away and pulled out his pepper spray when Jimenez pulled his car forward and then went in reverse, allegedly accelerating rapidly toward another officer.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
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

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

The goalkeeper, who missed much of the season with an injury and endured setbacks during his recovery, has his own reason to cherish one more appearance.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the opportunity to form a coalition government, marking a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 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

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

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Style

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversal. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of reversal

noun

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