1
as in setbacks
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the company's long-term strategy is sound, and they should be able to weather this latest reversal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitations
a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite
parents need to be consistent in their discipline policy, as reversals will only undermine the whole process
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of reversals
The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.
—
Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
As Ullrich put it, the trend in the labor force participation gap shows no post-recession bounce, no cyclical correction, no historical parallel to prior reversals.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Once land plants, seagrasses staged one of evolution’s boldest reversals — returning to the ocean and reinventing their biology to thrive beneath the waves.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Financial markets have swung sharply since the war began more than three weeks ago, and many of the reversals have struck hour to hour as uncertainty continues to dominate about how long the war will last.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Beckett’s patter of repetitions and reversals—as the tape is rewound, replayed, and punctured by Krapp’s speech in the present—resembles Lerner’s technique.
—Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The reversals have created uncertainty in Tokyo, where officials are now trying to interpret, what will Trump say next?
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Bryant's organization provided materials to USA Today that did not appear to have concessions or changes made by Target following actions taken last year, and a spokesperson said there have been no new commitments and no reversals.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
As Ullrich put it, the trend in the labor force participation gap shows no post-recession bounce, no cyclical correction, no historical parallel to prior reversals.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Once land plants, seagrasses staged one of evolution’s boldest reversals — returning to the ocean and reinventing their biology to thrive beneath the waves.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Financial markets have swung sharply since the war began more than three weeks ago, and many of the reversals have struck hour to hour as uncertainty continues to dominate about how long the war will last.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Beckett’s patter of repetitions and reversals—as the tape is rewound, replayed, and punctured by Krapp’s speech in the present—resembles Lerner’s technique.
—Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The reversals have created uncertainty in Tokyo, where officials are now trying to interpret, what will Trump say next?
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Bryant's organization provided materials to USA Today that did not appear to have concessions or changes made by Target following actions taken last year, and a spokesperson said there have been no new commitments and no reversals.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversals
Noun
-
After missing 27 consecutive games with a sore right knee, days of rehab and setbacks, that simple gesture said it all.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Getafe's only setbacks recently were 1-0 losses to Sevilla at home and to Atletico Madrid away.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Chapek chapter and previous succession about-faces that saw presumed heirs-apparent like Tom Staggs leave the company were blemishes on Iger’s otherwise strong record.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To put themselves in position for one of the most dramatic single-season turnarounds in the history of the NBA, how much did the Spurs have to do right over the past few years?—
Mike Finger,
San Antonio Express-News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Regulators have pledged faster turnarounds and the granting of rates that reflect growing wildfire risks to incentivize insurers to expand coverage in high-hazard areas.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Pritzker has said those denials were politically motivated.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Her covert affair with Davis became big news when a Chicago gossip columnist wrote a detailed account of their relationship in early 1958, including their plans to wed, despite their denials.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That’s oodles of swimsuits, sunglasses, flip-flops and bags full of tiny travel lotions.—
Beth Collums,
AJC.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
For beach days, pool parties, and casual strolls around town, these best-selling flip-flops make for a comfy footwear choice.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reversals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversals. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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