reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
1
: an act or the process of reversing
In a sudden reversal, the mayor decided not to run for reelection.
2
: a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa
3
: a change (as of fortune) often for the worse
a financial reversal
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
This divergence is often the first tell that the dominant bearish trend is losing steam and a reversal is brewing.
—
Nishant Pant, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
And former President Joe Biden made naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, available over the counter.
—Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026
Expanding the military’s ability to control veterans’ speech would be a major and historic reversal of basic freedoms.
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Corrections then feel like reversals rather than refinements.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Nishant Pant, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
And former President Joe Biden made naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, available over the counter.
—Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026
Expanding the military’s ability to control veterans’ speech would be a major and historic reversal of basic freedoms.
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Corrections then feel like reversals rather than refinements.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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
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