reverse 1 of 3

1
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

2
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

1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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

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 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 reverse
Verb
Other companies reversed course on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025 After his inauguration on Monday, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders reversing policies instituted by his predecessor Joe Biden, such as commitments to fight climate change. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
Many felt O’Neil should have been sacked after a 5-3 beating at Brentford in early October, or at the very least following a humiliating 4-0 reverse away to Everton, the second-lowest scorers in the league, two months later. Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Of course, this often happens in reverse, and negativity can spread across the internet, making life hard for all those involved. Callum Booth, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Management plans to explore business opportunities within the U.S., including potential acquisitions through reverse mergers or similar transactions. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 13 Jan. 2025 Sage Green Decorative Accents Instead of painting your walls sage green, go with a reverse approach and apply the paint color to the trim and decorative molding. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reverse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse
Verb
  • In 2020, Moody was a strong supporter of then-President Donald Trump, joining the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit to overturn the presidential election results.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Fani Willis, a state prosecutor in Fulton County, Georgia, similarly charged Mr. Trump in a case related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results there.
    Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Presto, Mahomes and the Chiefs flipped the script from out of the danger zone into taking charge.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Cars were flipped over, traffic lights and lamp posts were torn down, and there were even unconfirmed reports of explosions.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For a bullish set-up, traders look for RSI to rise back above the 30 level, signaling a reversal.
    Nishant Pant, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
  • His promotion of Tiktok is a reversal from 2020, when Trump attempted to ban the platform.
    Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • While the Salvation Army says its aim is to prevent homelessness, some advocates have seen the opposite.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Rather than influencing banks to ignore climate change, the incoming Trump administration and bank regulators should be pushing banks to do the opposite.
    Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant will interview with the Chicago Bears for their defensive coordinator job, McVay said.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Just ask these stars, all of whom struggled to produce against the All-Pro defensive back.
    Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Headlines about Trump’s tariff plans also spooked investors, giving a boost to the dollar, which has an inverse relationship with bitcoin.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
  • An inverse effect of the group chat’s casual, forgettable dialogue is that switching into a more earnest mode can be difficult.
    Matthew Schnipper, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The legal authority to revoke birthright citizenship is a matter of significant debate.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The order particularly directs the Interior Department to reinstate drillings rights there that were revoked under the Biden administration and seeks to review a lease sale there by the Biden administration that ultimately flopped.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Firstly, the company faced significant setbacks in its clinical trials, particularly with its rheumatoid arthritis drug, filgotinib, which failed to gain FDA approval.
    Joe Cornell, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Comets fall 7-4 to San Diego The Comets suffered a setback last week, losing 7-4 against the San Diego Sockers on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
    Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reverse

Cite this Entry

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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