1 reversal | Definition of reversal

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal | \ ri-ˈvÉ™r-sÉ™l How to pronounce reversal (audio) \

Definition of reversal

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

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for reversal

Synonyms

knock, lapse, reverse, setback

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

In sum, Brazil’s reversal on protecting the Amazon does not meaningfully threaten atmospheric oxygen. Scott Denning, Scientific American, "Destructive Amazon Fires Do Not Threaten Earth’s Oxygen, Expert Says," 27 Aug. 2019 In sum, Brazil’s reversal on protecting the Amazon does not meaningfully threaten atmospheric oxygen. The Conversation, oregonlive.com, "Amazon fires are alarming -- but, no, they won’t deplete Earth’s oxygen: The Conversation," 26 Aug. 2019 Bristol Bay leaders were also shocked by the EPA’s reversal. Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "CNN: Dunleavy-Trump meeting led EPA to withdraw proposed Pebble restriction," 10 Aug. 2019 Evans’s reversal came as Metro board members and regional officials, speaking earlier in the day, expressed concern that the controversy was hurting the transit agency’s reputation. Robert Mccartney, baltimoresun.com, "In reversal, D.C. Metro chair Jack Evans acknowledges he violated board's ethics code," 20 June 2019 Evans’s reversal came as Metro board members and regional officials, speaking earlier in the day, expressed concern that the controversy was hurting the transit agency’s reputation. Robert Mccartney, Washington Post, "In reversal, Metro chair Jack Evans acknowledges he violated board’s ethics code," 19 June 2019 In fact, the manner by which the Steele and McCoy sagas unfolded — and to a lesser extent, quarterback Matt Fink’s reversal — might have been more advantageous for the Trojans than if the prospects had signed and stuck with USC all along. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Stock report: On USC football momentum, Stanford basketball personnel hits, Pac-12 bowl partners and more," 7 June 2019 Governors in six states have signed executive orders, and Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have already adopted their own net neutrality rules following the FCC’s reversal. Jon Porter, The Verge, "Trump administration sues California over tough net neutrality law," 1 Oct. 2018 Whatever the reason, Flake’s reversal was a stunning development. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, "The Week in Washington: Ralphing, Boufing, and the Devil’s Triangle," 30 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reversal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of reversal

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for reversal

reversal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of reversal

: a change to an opposite state, condition, decision, etc.

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal | \ ri-ˈvÉ™r-sÉ™l How to pronounce reversal (audio) \

Kids Definition of reversal

: a change to an opposite or former state, condition, view, or direction

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal | \ ri-ˈvÉ™r-sÉ™l How to pronounce reversal (audio) \

Medical Definition of reversal

: an act or the process of reversing

Keep scrolling for more

reversal

noun
re·​ver·​sal

Legal Definition of reversal

1 : an act or the process of reversing
2 : an instance of reversing the reversal of the lower court's decision

Keep scrolling for more