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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

forward

as in inverse

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Dissimilar Words

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

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 reverse

Verb

With its ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court reversed the state Supreme Court, ruling 5-4 that the lower court failed to follow the Batson standard and that Pitchford did not waive his right to contest the dismissal of the prospective black jurors for race-neutral reasons. —

Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2026 The governor deflected to a rant about a DOJ lawsuit filed Wednesday over her refusal to reverse a RMV policy banning ICE from obtaining undercover license plates. —

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026

Noun

Eek, Zachariah killed Terry Jane by throwing his truck in reverse and accidentally backing over her? —

William Earl, Variety, 22 May 2026 Boone noted that the Yankees are going to face some lefties and reverse splits righties — including Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan and Kansas City’s Michael Wacha and Noah Cameron — over the coming days. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026

Adjective

Bandido hit a reverse hurricanrana from the apron to the floor as the crowd imploded. —

Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 That would be a fitting tribute, and one that could be carried on throughout the NASCAR season and beyond, in much the way Alan Kulwicki’s reverse victory lap has long threaded its way through the sport. —

Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

But the convictions were recently overturned, leading to the legal scion’s return to court.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
The White House is suing to overturn the ban.

— Semafor Events, semafor.com, 22 May 2026

Definition of overturn

Browse Nearby Words

reversals

reverse

reversed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverse

verb

noun

adjective

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