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 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

But incredibly, when faced with threats from injury to starvation, the immortal jellyfish can reverse the process, turning the clock backward. —

Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024 They are suspected of instructing police officers to block lawmakers at the National Assembly who were there to reverse the martial law decree. —

Joohee Cho, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Music can also now reduce volume automatically when in reverse, a feature that has long been available from other automakers. —

Umar Shakir, The Verge, 2 Dec. 2024 That’s proof positive that our Dividend Magnet—or the tendency for dividend growth to propel share prices higher—also works in reverse. —

Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Also known as a reverse martini, this version of a martini takes the traditional ratio of gin to dry vermouth and flips it. —

Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024 Recycling them requires a reverse supply chain almost as complicated. —

Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

His sentence has never been overturned and was carried out as ordered by the court.

CBS News, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Questions loom about TikTok as Trump's cabinet comes into shape In a ruling earlier this month, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected TikTok’s bid to overturn the law.

Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024