reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
ri-ˈvər-səl 
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
Throughout the government, new appointees have been touting their reversals of diversity standards—the signal feature of what has been a rapid two-week effort to remake the preëxisting bureaucracy with an America First agenda.
—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Zoom in: Local leaders and nonprofits, like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Metro Inclusive Health, breathed a sigh of relief after the reversal.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
But even after the reversal, clinics remained closed.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025
Other changes at Starbucks Over the course of Niccol's four-month tenure, the company has enacted multiple changes, including the reversal of its open-door policy, unveiled new and returning coffeehouse amenities in addition the menu overhaul.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reversal 
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Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Zoom in: Local leaders and nonprofits, like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Metro Inclusive Health, breathed a sigh of relief after the reversal.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
But even after the reversal, clinics remained closed.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025
Other changes at Starbucks Over the course of Niccol's four-month tenure, the company has enacted multiple changes, including the reversal of its open-door policy, unveiled new and returning coffeehouse amenities in addition the menu overhaul.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reversal
Dictionary Entries Near reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 10 Feb. 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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