reversal

noun

re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
1
: an act or the process of reversing
2
: a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa
3
: a change (as of fortune) often for the worse

Examples of reversal in a Sentence

In a sudden reversal, the mayor has decided not to run for reelection. the reversal of a decision a surprising reversal in the value of the stock We had a role reversal. I became the leader and he became the follower. In a reversal of roles, he is now taking care of his mother. Reversal of the decision is unlikely.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instead, multiple headwinds seem to be working in conjunction to cause the sell-off, including a reversal of technical factors that drove the previous rally. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025 The result showed some diminished support for Ukraine, because previous assembly votes saw more than 140 nations condemn Russia’s aggression, demand an immediate withdrawal, and reversal of its annexation of four Ukrainian regions. Edith M. Lederer, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Meta’s changes mark a significant reversal of the company’s approach to moderating false and misleading information, reframing the labeling or downranking of content as a form of censorship. Craig Silverman, ProPublica, 24 Feb. 2025 This complete policy reversal shows that even leaders who advocate for smaller government feel pressure to increase federal spending when faced with crises that demand immediate action. Mallory Hutchings-Tryon / Made By History, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reversal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reversal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: an act or the process of reversing

Medical Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
: an act or the process of reversing

Legal Definition

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal
1
: an act or the process of reversing
2
: an instance of reversing
the reversal of the lower court's decision

More from Merriam-Webster on reversal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!