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

Citing Brazil's September X ban, later reversed by the Supreme Court, Kennedy said that Kamala Harris would attempt a similar crackdown on online free speech. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 California toughening penalties for crime In the Golden State, rampant crime and theft has prompted a ballot initiative aimed at reversing some of the change made with 2014’s Proposition 47. —

Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 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

All 76 bats were tagged with a reverse GPS tracking system called ATLAS, that tracked the bats in real-time. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024 Other factors in its favor include regulatory tailwinds promoting recycling and the formalization of reverse charge mechanism on metal scrap, Kotak’s analysts wrote in a Sept. 30 note. —

Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

The fourth misfire was initially ruled a fumble that led to a Titans touchdown, but it was later overturned by video replay and ruled an incomplete pass.

Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
The drive nearly ended a few plays earlier when Joe Burrow was picked off, but the potential interception was overturned to incomplete on replay.

NBC News, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024