Synonyms of transpose

transpose

verb

tran(t)s-ˈpōz 

1

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use

the snappy pop song was transposed into a ballad through a reworking of instrumentation and a change in key

Synonyms & Similar Words

• transform
• convert
• transmute
• metamorphose
• rework
• transfigure
• replace
• remodel
• adjust
• modify
• alter
• alchemize
• recast
• transubstantiate
• revise
• make over
• redefine
• mutate
• redesign
• refashion
• reengineer
• distort
• remake
• deform
• redo
• supplant
• regenerate
• disfigure
• transmogrify
• substitute
• revamp
• vary
• displace

2

as in to remove

to change the place or position of

after the ex-governor's scandals belatedly came to light, his portrait was transposed to a quiet corner of the statehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remove
• move
• relocate
• transfer
• shift
• transport
• disturb
• replace
• convey
• carry
• displace
• reposition
• dislocate
• transmit
• budge
• haul
• modify
• drive
• alter
• revise
• supplant
• supersede
• lug
• tote
• bear
• transplant
• cart
• vary
• rework
• remake
• remodel
• redo
• refashion
• revamp
• make over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• stabilize
• secure
• fix
• freeze
• anchor
• moor
• embed
• root
• entrench
• implant
• lodge
• ingrain

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb transpose contrast with its synonyms?

The words invert and reverse are common synonyms of transpose. While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position.

transposed the letters to form an anagram

When could invert be used to replace transpose?

The synonyms invert and transpose are sometimes interchangeable, but invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.

the number 9 looks like an inverted 6

In what contexts can reverse take the place of transpose?

The words reverse and transpose can be used in similar contexts, but reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning.

reversed his position on the trade agreement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of transpose

Two couples, one dinner party — that’s the bare-bones basis of The Invite, an adaptation of the 2020 Spanish movie The People Upstairs that feels tailor-made to be franchised, translated to just about any language, and transposed onto just about any upper-middle-class milieu. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

Gervais told the audience in an Q&A following the screening that the show was a continuation of his process and work across The Office, Extras and After Life, transposing his observations of life into drama, and also tapped into his love of animals. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 June 2026

The caps-lock title and eff-you art work, in which the artist’s image is transposed onto a hand as a triumphant middle finger, overshoots the tone. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 11 June 2026

Bulleh Shah transposes the framework of the lover and beloved to the self and the divine. — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026