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
Finally, Elon Musk’s DOGE activities brought its own host of circuit tests that generated smoke and reversals.
—
Bruce Yandle, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
In a reversal from the last two years, the base variant of the latest series, the iPhone 16, leads the chart, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and iPhone 15.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
The trade: Selling a risk reversal Sold the QQQ June 27 $500 puts for $6.25 Bought the QQQ June 27 $525 calls for $8.00 This debit spread costs $1.75 or $175 per one lot spread This trade was executed when QQQs was roughly trading $516 DISCLOSURES: Kilburg owns the spread above and is long QQQ.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Various studies have documented a decline in productivity in the building sector since 1970 – a dramatic reversal from the prior 30 years.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
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.
Bruce Yandle, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
In a reversal from the last two years, the base variant of the latest series, the iPhone 16, leads the chart, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and iPhone 15.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
The trade: Selling a risk reversal Sold the QQQ June 27 $500 puts for $6.25 Bought the QQQ June 27 $525 calls for $8.00 This debit spread costs $1.75 or $175 per one lot spread This trade was executed when QQQs was roughly trading $516 DISCLOSURES: Kilburg owns the spread above and is long QQQ.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Various studies have documented a decline in productivity in the building sector since 1970 – a dramatic reversal from the prior 30 years.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reversal
Cite this Entry
“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reversal. Accessed 6 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share