Reversal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈvər-səl/ re·ver·sal

Meaning & Definition of Reversal

Reversal (noun)

  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

Reversal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: knock, lapse, reverse, setback
    related: disappointment, frustration, letdown, comedown, decline, descent, down, downfall, fall, turnabout, turnaround, recession, regression, retrogression, reversion, relapse, breakdown, collapse, crash, meltdown, ruin, undoing
    near: status quo

  2. 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"

    similar: about-face, about-turn (British), flip-flop, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart
    related: bait and switch, switcheroo, denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, reconsideration, retreat, second thought, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reversal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reversal:

British: about-turn
knock, lapse, reverse, setback, about-face, flip-flop, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart

Related Words for Reversal

disappointment, frustration, letdown, comedown, decline, descent, down, downfall, fall, recession, regression, retrogression, reversion, relapse, breakdown, collapse, crash, meltdown, ruin, undoing, bait and switch, switcheroo, denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction

Near Antonyms of Reversal

status quo

Origin & Etymology of Reversal

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Reversal

time reversal

Frequently Asked Questions about Reversal

What does "Reversal" mean?

"Reversal" means an act or the process of reversing. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or the process of reversing. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Reversal"?

Other words for "Reversal" include knock, lapse, reverse, setback, about-face, about-turn, flip-flop and turnabout. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reversal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reversal"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reversal". Common alternatives include knock, lapse, reverse, setback, about-face, about-turn, flip-flop, turnabout, turnaround and U-turn.

How do you use "Reversal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reversal" in a sentence: "the company's long-term strategy is sound, and they should be able to weather this latest reversal"; "parents need to be consistent in their discipline policy, as reversals will only undermine the whole process".

Is "Reversal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reversal" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Reversal"?

"Reversal" is pronounced /ri-ˈvər-səl/ and divided into syllables as re·ver·sal.

What is the origin of the word "Reversal"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Reversal" meaning "a change in status for the worse usually temporarily"?

When "Reversal" (noun) means a change in status for the worse usually temporarily, synonyms include knock, lapse, reverse and setback.