revert

verb

re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
reverted; reverting; reverts

intransitive verb

1
: to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject)
2
: to return to the proprietor or his or her heirs at the end of a reversion
3
: to return to an ancestral type
reverter noun
revertible adjective

Examples of revert in a Sentence

after the national emergency had passed, the political parties abandoned their shotgun unity and reverted to their partisan squabbling
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.
If an offer sheet is not executed on or before April 18, however, his negotiating rights will revert. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 There were also signs of slippage with speed and pass coverage in the NFC championship, and that’s not likely to revert at 35. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 The plan is for Bubic to revert back to being a starter in 2025. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2025 Money in the renovation fund would revert back to the state if the team leaves the stadium. Jon Styf | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for revert

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French revertir, from Latin revertere, transitive verb, "to turn back" & reverti, intransitive verb, "to return, come back," from re- + vertere, verti "to turn" — more at worth

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revert. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

revert

verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
1
: to come or go back
reverted to the customs of their ancestors
2
: to experience reversion

Medical Definition

revert

intransitive verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
: to undergo reversion
revertible adjective

Legal Definition

revert

intransitive verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
1
: to come or go back (as to a former status or state)
if the donee of a general power fails to exercise it…the appointive assets revert to the donor's estateW. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
2
: to return to the grantor or his or her heirs as a reversion
revertible adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on revert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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