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

What was West Boca’s only loss during the season, a 28-27 OT setback to Western, was reversed when the Wildcats had to forfeit the game due to an ineligible player. —

Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024 Cannon’s decision counters 50 years of prior rulings regarding special counsel regulations, and the court has previously reversed one of her decisions. —

Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024

Noun

Soon enough, the music will shut off and the rest of us will repeat our own journeys in reverse, filing back into shuttles and trains and traffic lines and reality. —

Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2024 Start to melt an ice sheet and the same cycle spins in reverse. —

Krista Stevens, Longreads, 9 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Saquon Barkley’s viral reverse hurdle from Week 9 has officially been immortalized in the digital history books. —

Cale Clinton, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024 The filing highlights the company's efforts to regain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, including potential actions like a reverse stock split. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

Separately, Trump was indicted in state court in Georgia with a number of his allies related to efforts to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election in the state.

Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
Three years later, overturning the ban against college athletes making money from their name, image and likeness (also known as NIL) is having major payoffs.

Tanya Chen, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024