revert

verb

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

intransitive verb

1
: to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject)
2
: to return to the grantor or the grantor's heirs at the end of a reversion
3
: to return to an ancestral type
reverter noun
revertible
ri-ˈvər-tə-bəl How to pronounce revert (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of revert

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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.
Unfortunately the general lack of trust of healthcare and traditional treatments is taking a toll on newborns and infants, and will likely not revert until clear messaging and respect for science is returned. — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Stars such as Julia Fox and Bechtel have reverted back to their natural color after spending time with the platinum look, but keeping the shape ultra-thin. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026 The school is owned by the city of Pembroke Pines, and a lease says the property reverts back to the city in 2037. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026 However, the cells recently reverted from the supergiant state do not have the potential to form supergiants compared to cells produced by normal morphs. — Jay Kakade july 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing revert

Rhymes for revert

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Browse Nearby Words

reverso
revert
revertant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revert. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ˈvərt-ə-bəl How to pronounce revert (audio)
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 estate—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
2
: to return to the grantor or his or her heirs as a reversion
revertible
-ˈvər-tə-bəl How to pronounce revert (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on revert

Nglish: Translation of revert for Spanish Speakers

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