REVERSE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reverse' contrast with its synonyms?

The words invert and transpose are common synonyms of reverse . While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning. // reversed his position on the trade agreement

Q: When might 'invert' be a better fit than 'reverse'?

In some situations, the words invert and reverse are roughly equivalent. However, invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out. // the number 9 looks like an inverted 6

Q: When could 'transpose' be used to replace 'reverse'?

The meanings of transpose and reverse largely overlap; however, transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position. // transposed the letters to form an anagram

reverse 1 of 3

verb

Definition of reverse next

as in to overturn

to change (as an opinion) to the contrary the appeals court reversed the district court's decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to flip

to change the position of (an object) so that the opposite side or end is showing when one side of the cleaning cloth gets dirty, just reverse it you can reverse the jacket for a whole new look

Synonyms & Similar Words

reverse

2 of 3

noun

as in reversal

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the party has suffered some major reverses as a result of the corruption scandal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

status quo

as in opposite

something that is as different as possible from something else how could you think I don't like pizza, when it's just the reverse: I love pizza

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in back

a behind part or surface on the reverse of the ticket you'll find the notice that it's nontransferable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

as in reversed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

forward

as in inverse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reverse contrast with its synonyms?

The words invert and transpose are common synonyms of reverse. While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning.

reversed his position on the trade agreement

When might invert be a better fit than reverse?

In some situations, the words invert and reverse are roughly equivalent. However, invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.

the number 9 looks like an inverted 6

When could transpose be used to replace reverse?

The meanings of transpose and reverse largely overlap; however, transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position.

transposed the letters to form an anagram

Examples of reverse in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Citing Brazil's September X ban, later reversed by the Supreme Court, Kennedy said that Kamala Harris would attempt a similar crackdown on online free speech. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 California toughening penalties for crime In the Golden State, rampant crime and theft has prompted a ballot initiative aimed at reversing some of the change made with 2014’s Proposition 47. —

Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024

Noun

Start to melt an ice sheet and the same cycle spins in reverse. —

Krista Stevens, Longreads, 9 Oct. 2024 All the standard keyboard shortcuts are available: J for reverse, K for stop, L for forward, and Spacebar to stop and start playback. —

PCMAG, 3 Oct. 2024

Adjective

In a rare case of reverse Uno, childhood friends Audrey Nguyen and Ellen Colvin pitched each other. —

Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 The company’s individual share price is down 98% since 2021 to about $4, after a reverse stock split on October 16, 2024. —

Bruce Gil, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

If there had been a life ring at the end of the line, it had been lost when the boat all but overturned.

Orval C. Johnson, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Democrats have successfully campaigned on protecting these rights while portraying Republicans as seeking an all-out federal pan on the procedure.

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024