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
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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
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Recent Examples of reversals
For 50 years, the case has generated theories and verdicts and reversals and books and television specials.
—
Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
The reversals, recoveries, and successes often receive far less coverage.
—Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Two reversals and a vindication For the OpenAI CEO, his comments walk back his prophecy on AI’s impact on labor.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
His tenure has been marked by internal tension, policy reversals and a lack of clear direction right as Britain faces enormous challenges.
—Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
On the right, Bianco and Hilton argue for dramatic reversals of signature Democratic policies — from ending sanctuary protections to rolling back climate regulations — contending that bold, partisan realignment in Sacramento is necessary to address crime, energy prices, and housing.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
At the core of today’s tensions are ideological reversals.
—Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Rejections and reversals of prior directives at the FDA division responsible for reviewing cell and gene therapies have destabilized the already shaky footing of this field.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 May 2026
The Supreme Court upheld the reversals, and the three men later pleaded to voluntary manslaughter counts — resulting in them being paroled — under an agreement that required them to admit to being responsible for Tyree’s death in open court.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
The reversals, recoveries, and successes often receive far less coverage.
—Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Two reversals and a vindication For the OpenAI CEO, his comments walk back his prophecy on AI’s impact on labor.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
His tenure has been marked by internal tension, policy reversals and a lack of clear direction right as Britain faces enormous challenges.
—Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
On the right, Bianco and Hilton argue for dramatic reversals of signature Democratic policies — from ending sanctuary protections to rolling back climate regulations — contending that bold, partisan realignment in Sacramento is necessary to address crime, energy prices, and housing.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
At the core of today’s tensions are ideological reversals.
—Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Rejections and reversals of prior directives at the FDA division responsible for reviewing cell and gene therapies have destabilized the already shaky footing of this field.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 May 2026
The Supreme Court upheld the reversals, and the three men later pleaded to voluntary manslaughter counts — resulting in them being paroled — under an agreement that required them to admit to being responsible for Tyree’s death in open court.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversals
Noun
-
Putin has increasingly faced setbacks on the battlefield as a Ukrainian drone strike campaign disrupts critical logistics routes and public support at home wanes.—
Jane Lytvynenko,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
-
One of the most frightening setbacks came when Asher developed an MRSA bloodstream infection that originated in his port — the device connected to his heart that allows doctors to administer treatment.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Ads, in fact, represent one of the biggest about-faces for Netflix, given that choosing to go down this road required the company building an entirely new infrastructure — from ad tech and measurement tools, to sales teams and advertiser relationships.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The year ahead now promises multiple serious reverses.—
David Miliband,
Time,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The intense Laviolette became known for creating aggressive offensive attacks and making quick franchise turnarounds in his previous stops.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Women’s Wear Daily has kept its eye on fashion’s ups, downs and turnarounds since 1910, continuing to chronicle the conversation surrounding the industry from all angles.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Friedkin, who died in 2023 and is seen only in archival interviews, now seems disingenuous in some of his denials that the film was exploitative, especially with regard to the murder that inspired it.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2026
-
The survey, which included responses from nearly 4,600 adults ages 19 to 64, looked at both prior authorization denials (before care) and claim denials (after care).—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Complete the look with a pair of flip-flops for an outfit that’s equal parts polished and relaxed, or swap in kitten heels or ballet flats for a bit more grace.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Glamour,
6 June 2026
-
Unlike flat, flimsy flip-flops, these Oofos sandals are designed to cushion your feet and absorb shock with every step.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reversals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversals. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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