reversal

noun

ri-ˈvər-səl How to pronounce reversal (audio)
Definition of reversalnext
1
as in reverse
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 turnaround
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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reversal Now that the case — revived by a conviction reversal earlier this year — has been assigned to a courtroom, the judge will hear evidentiary and other pretrial motions that will set the parameters for trial. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Suffering a reversal of fortune, Watson Taylor turned out to be unable to pay for the commission and sold the work in 1821 through Phillips auction house. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2026 Rather than accept such a reversal, Hezbollah resumed attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli military responses. — Hussain Abdul-Hussain, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 The market experienced a reversal session, with AI leaders and data center infrastructure buildout stocks falling while software and the hyperscalers rebounded. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reversal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reversal
  1. reverse
  2. turnaround
  3. setback
  4. denial
  5. turnabout
  6. volte-face
  7. about-face
  8. hesitation
Noun
  • Honeywell also completed a one-for-two reverse split, leaving the two securities at broadly comparable technical starting prices.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But the Philly show is a sting operation reverse-ambush.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of reverse
Noun
  • Steam review scores reflect this turnaround, with recent reviews showing 74% positivity, a stark improvement from its initial 50%.
    — Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Gumede said the company’s operations in Mozambique and Zimbabwe are profitable and in a position to bankroll the turnaround of the South African operations.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of turnaround
Noun
  • That is expected to be a setback to Hanwha Ocean, as the contract was estimated to be up to $100 billion over three decades, according to The Korea Times.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Bryant Vincent’s team has teased in each of his first two years in Monroe, starting 3-1 last season before the roof caved in with eight straight setbacks.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of setback
Noun
  • One reason Pharis has been so vocal online is to fight back against the shame and denial that drive so many to withhold their HIV status from others.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Between 2016 and 2023, claim denials increased from 9% to 12%.
    — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • That turnabout changed the mood almost immediately.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The turnabout in the market has been swift for prospective buyers.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Definition of turnabout
Noun
  • This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
  • The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face.
    — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 22 Dec. 2025
Definition of volte-face
Noun
  • The about-face felt personal to former parks workers who spent their careers preserving artifacts that have now been deemed too radical for display.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 26 June 2026
  • And last fall, the Solovievs did an about-face and declared that the pharmacy, which had been open since the 1920s, would no longer fill prescriptions — leaving the nearest drugstore a ferry ride away.
    — Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
Definition of about-face
Noun
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Her hesitation isn’t about her affection for Tewkesbury but out of fear of losing her identity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of hesitation

Browse Nearby Words

revering
reversal
reversals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reversal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reversal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reversal

Nglish: Translation of reversal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reversal

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