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
Once this accelerated redistribution plateaus during menopause, reversal becomes much harder, though not impossible.
—
Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
According to Vesga, Manousos is at a loss for words because this chess move is quite the reversal from someone who previously opposed murder.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025
As a result, Apple is seeking either a reversal or new trial relating to the patent dispute with Masimo over the blood-oxygen sensors found in higher-tier Apple Watches.
—Morgan Chittum,zev Fima,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
Multiple council members enthusiastically supported an Oakland police watchdog body’s reversal of a policy that restricted high-speed police chases.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
According to Vesga, Manousos is at a loss for words because this chess move is quite the reversal from someone who previously opposed murder.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025
As a result, Apple is seeking either a reversal or new trial relating to the patent dispute with Masimo over the blood-oxygen sensors found in higher-tier Apple Watches.
—Morgan Chittum,zev Fima,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
Multiple council members enthusiastically supported an Oakland police watchdog body’s reversal of a policy that restricted high-speed police chases.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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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