reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
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
Filip realized an inevitable role reversal had occurred.
—
Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
After a couple rounds of appeals and reversals, the man left the nursing home and died four days later.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
This might seem like a pretty big flip-flop, but A) times change, and B) compared to Netflix’s reversal on advertising and password sharing, Iger’s evolution barely registers on the corporate hypocrisy meter.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Several Democrats slammed the president for his decision, which marks a reversal of his previous stance on the issue.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal 
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.
Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
After a couple rounds of appeals and reversals, the man left the nursing home and died four days later.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
This might seem like a pretty big flip-flop, but A) times change, and B) compared to Netflix’s reversal on advertising and password sharing, Iger’s evolution barely registers on the corporate hypocrisy meter.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Several Democrats slammed the president for his decision, which marks a reversal of his previous stance on the issue.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reversal
Dictionary Entries Near reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl
: an act or the process of reversing
Medical Definition
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl
: an act or the process of reversing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share