1
as in setbacks
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
2
as in hesitations
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
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Recent Examples of reversals
Since the Middle Ages, this festival of uninhibited revelry and role reversals has provided the ultimate litmus test for what is and isn’t considered socially acceptable.
—
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
As Ullrich put it, the trend in the labor force participation gap shows no post-recession bounce, no cyclical correction, no historical parallel to prior reversals.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Once land plants, seagrasses staged one of evolution’s boldest reversals — returning to the ocean and reinventing their biology to thrive beneath the waves.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Financial markets have swung sharply since the war began more than three weeks ago, and many of the reversals have struck hour to hour as uncertainty continues to dominate about how long the war will last.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Beckett’s patter of repetitions and reversals—as the tape is rewound, replayed, and punctured by Krapp’s speech in the present—resembles Lerner’s technique.
—Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The reversals have created uncertainty in Tokyo, where officials are now trying to interpret, what will Trump say next?
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
As Ullrich put it, the trend in the labor force participation gap shows no post-recession bounce, no cyclical correction, no historical parallel to prior reversals.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Once land plants, seagrasses staged one of evolution’s boldest reversals — returning to the ocean and reinventing their biology to thrive beneath the waves.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Financial markets have swung sharply since the war began more than three weeks ago, and many of the reversals have struck hour to hour as uncertainty continues to dominate about how long the war will last.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Beckett’s patter of repetitions and reversals—as the tape is rewound, replayed, and punctured by Krapp’s speech in the present—resembles Lerner’s technique.
—Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The reversals have created uncertainty in Tokyo, where officials are now trying to interpret, what will Trump say next?
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversals
Noun
-
After missing 27 consecutive games with a sore right knee, days of rehab and setbacks, that simple gesture said it all.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Getafe's only setbacks recently were 1-0 losses to Sevilla at home and to Atletico Madrid away.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Chapek chapter and previous succession about-faces that saw presumed heirs-apparent like Tom Staggs leave the company were blemishes on Iger’s otherwise strong record.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Had Moore levelled things by finding the net instead of a post from a couple of yards out, maybe Wrexham could have pulled off one of those famous turnarounds.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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As is often the case in difficult turnarounds, a company could report positive results one quarter and then lower expectations for the next.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Recently, despite their consistent and ridiculous denials, it was found that Iran had built numerous missiles capable of reaching all over Europe.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Fishbein went a second round with Shaban to cut through the fog of denials.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For example, the reliable Old Navy flip-flops are still a go-to for a reason --they're affordable, easy and perfect for everything from pool days to quick errands.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Pair it with wide-leg jeans and flats for the office, wear it with a skirt and flip-flops come summer—the styling opportunities are endless with this classic polo.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reversals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversals. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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