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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Meanwhile, Harris was found to be leading Trump in Iowa, an unexpected reversal in a state where Democrats and Republicans alike believed a Trump victory was virtually certain. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump, meanwhile, has stopped claiming credit for the reversal of Roe, effectively conceding on one battle in the culture wars. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Some Democratic lawmakers warn that in addition to further rollbacks of women’s reproductive rights, a second Donald Trump presidency would also mean a reversal of the progress that has been made in women’s health research under President Biden. Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 Trump is up 50% to 47% in a Washington Post-Schar School poll released last week, still within the 3.9-point margin of error, while a Quinnipiac poll of likely voters released Oct. 16 found Harris leading 49% to 47%, a reversal of Trump’s 49%-47% lead two weeks ago. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near reversal

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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

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