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
Graham Potter’s side ended the game with more shots (16 to 10) and shots on target (eight to seven) but endured a role reversal from their handsome win over Tunisia.
—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Trump’s intervention in the spotlight Such an incredible reversal on a key decision for a World Cup host country would always invite skepticism.
—
Wayne Sterling,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
Trump bought Apple, Nvidia and other tech giants before tariff reversal fueled rebound, according to a CNBC analysis.
—
Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Suffering a reversal of fortune, Watson Taylor turned out to be unable to pay for the commission and sold the work in 1821 through Phillips auction house.
—
News Desk,
Artforum,
2 July 2026
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.
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Trump’s intervention in the spotlight Such an incredible reversal on a key decision for a World Cup host country would always invite skepticism.
—
Wayne Sterling,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
Trump bought Apple, Nvidia and other tech giants before tariff reversal fueled rebound, according to a CNBC analysis.
—
Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Suffering a reversal of fortune, Watson Taylor turned out to be unable to pay for the commission and sold the work in 1821 through Phillips auction house.
—
News Desk,
Artforum,
2 July 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 6 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
