reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
| \ ri-ˈvər-səl
\
\
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
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Pickering in Canberra was one of many older white Australian museum workers who have seen a complete reversal of attitudes in their lifetimes. — David Maurice Smith, Smithsonian, "A 42,000-Year-Old Man Finally Goes Home," 23 Aug. 2019 Monday’s announcement included additional reversals. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Dunleavy backs ‘incomplete’ $1,600 dividend and stands by most of his June budget vetoes," 20 Aug. 2019 The Tompkins football team had a reversal for the ages last fall, improving from 0-9 to 10-3 with the first two playoff wins in school history. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Which District 19-6A football team will be this year’s Tompkins?," 20 Aug. 2019 Perhaps the inevitability of the reversal was always there, coded in the words. — Wired, "How Fans Are Remaking Entertainment in Their Own Image," 19 Aug. 2019 The announcement last month that New York’s education commissioner, a testing proponent, will resign in August, signals another reversal. — Andrea Gabor, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Testing craze is fading in U.S. schools. Good. Here’s What’s Next.," 16 Aug. 2019 But there’s the flip side of that equation (a reversal also explored on screen): Springsteen as source of familial connection. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "What Blinded by the Light understands about the power of Springsteen's music," 16 Aug. 2019 The news of the deal came as Wyndham reported net income of $118 million during its last fiscal quarter, a reversal of the $12 million loss from the same quarter last year. — Marco Santana, orlandosentinel.com, "Wyndham Destinations sells vacation rental business for $162 million," 30 July 2019 Get our daily newsletter The reversal in America can be attributed in part to a lack of female-friendly labour policies. — The Economist, "Fewer American women are working than two decades ago," 29 July 2019These 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.
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More Definitions for reversal
reversal
noun
English Language Learners Definition of reversal
: a change to an opposite state, condition, decision, etc.
See the full definition for reversal in the English Language Learners Dictionary
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
| \ ri-ˈvər-səl
\
\
Kids Definition of reversal
: a change to an opposite or former state, condition, view, or direction
reversal
noun
re·ver·sal
| \ ri-ˈvər-səl
\
\
Medical Definition of reversal
: an act or the process of reversing
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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
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