Synonyms of reverse

reverse 1 of 3

verb

1

as in to overturn

to change (as an opinion) to the contrary

the appeals court reversed the district court's decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overturn
• revoke
• switch
• revert
• repeal
• rescind
• abrogate
• annul
• strike down
• countermand
• backtrack
• about-face

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• support
• uphold

2

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

• flip
• invert
• exchange
• switch
• turn over
• shift
• overturn
• transpose
• upset
• interchange

reverse

2 of 3

noun

1

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

• reversal
• setback
• reversion
• lapse
• knock
• decline
• disappointment
• regression
• downfall
• turnaround
• frustration
• collapse
• fall
• recession
• breakdown
• down
• undoing
• relapse
• letdown
• crash
• comedown
• retrogression
• turnabout
• descent
• ruin
• meltdown

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quo

2

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

• opposite
• contrary
• obverse
• counter
• antithesis
• negative
• antipode
• inverse
• negation
• converse
• counterpoint
• mirror image
• antonym

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synonym
• analog
• analogue
• copy
• counterpart
• duplicate
• replica
• carbon copy

3

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

• back
• rear
• tail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• front
• face
• forehead
• forepart

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

1

as in reversed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reversed
• rear
• backward
• retrograde
• hind
• rearward
• aft
• after
• posterior
• astern
• sternforemost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forward

2

as in inverse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inverse
• counter
• obverse
• cross
• antagonistic
• converse
• unlike
• divergent
• dissimilar
• opposite
• hostile
• unfavorable
• negative
• disparate
• adverse
• alien
• antipathetic
• contradictory
• antithetical
• diametrical
• unalike
• polar
• diametric
• contrary
• antipodal
• antipodean

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• identical
• noncontradictory
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

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

Recent Examples of reverse

Verb

Parents of Ellen Greenberg speak on new theory after pathologist reversed 'suicide' ruling Dr. Josh and Sandee Greenberg, parents of Ellen Greenberg, speak on a new theory after a medical examiner reversed a 'suicide' ruling for a teacher found with 20 stab wounds. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025

Future administrations can easily reverse its reforms with the stroke of a pen. —Veronique De Rugy, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025

Noun

Andrew Greif While quarterback Jared Goff is being evaluated for an injury, the Lions put in backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and score on a 61-yard reverse to receiver Jameson Williams. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 19 Jan. 2025

White has also proven how that works in reverse—that the Trump-era anti-establishment norms that reward pugnaciousness and tribalism, revel in taboos and ignore personal scandals, represent an ascendant business model. —Matt Craig, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The company had operated a reverse logistics wholesale business that was more profitable than its extreme value closeout retail chain Bargain Hunt Stores. —Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025

These projects focus on female empowerment, global plastic reduction, and a reverse sponsorship in which FC Barcelona pays the UNICEF High Commission for Refugees an annual fee to put their logo on the teams’ jerseys. —Michelle Greenwald, Forbes, 3 Feb. 2025