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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

as in reversed

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forward

as in inverse

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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

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

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

The pre-pandemic plan for a third runway was blocked by a court on environmental grounds in 2020, before the Supreme Court overturned that decision.

— Rob Picheta, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
But Levenson isn’t convinced that this new evidence would be enough to overturn the Menendezes’s 1996 convictions.

— Christine Pelisek, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025