IN 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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

forward

as in inverse

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

The injunction is not a final ruling on the lawsuit’s claims, but will allow the grace period to remain in effect until the lawsuit is resolved or a higher court reverses the decision. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026 Consumers can start reversing hair age in 3 months, with improvements in as little as 1 month. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Noun

That’s why the sound of the record wasn’t reverse-engineered from a checklist of influences. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 6 July 2026 But the Philly show is a sting operation reverse-ambush. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Adjective

Both models come with reverse capability and 12-inch cast wheels. — New Atlas, 6 July 2026 Those investments have reshaped nearly every stage of the fulfillment process, from warehouse networks and inventory management to last-mile delivery and reverse logistics. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

However, this theory has also been challenged by physicists who argue that the force of methane bubbles is unlikely to be powerful enough to overturn a ship.

— Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
The referee pointed straight to the spot and there was no chance the video assistant referee (VAR) was going to overturn it.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

The animal charged toward the visitor, chased him back and forth through a patch of trees, and, ultimately, struck the man with its horns, launching and flipping him over.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Despite his attempt to run from the animal and hide behind trees, the animal catches up to the man and uses its head and horns to flip him into the air.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Definition of flip

Noun

In addition to administering the toxic combination of medications, Hemphill failed to recognize and treat signs of respiratory distress, and administered the incorrect reversal medication for the kind of drug the girl had been given, Spragins wrote.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
However, without strong spending activity at home, a heavy reliance on exports makes China particularly vulnerable to a reversal in AI sentiment, which would hit sales of high-tech products.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of reversal

Noun

In the back unit, a movie played from a projector upstairs; paintings lined the wall, all telling the story of the Miami locals used to know.

— Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Centre-back Chadi Riad flicks the outswinging corner across goal, with his team-mates’ runs dragging Haiti’s defence forward.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of back

Adjective

It’s not yet confirmed if the reversed look that was seen initially will be released at retail.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
As the number of reversed-conviction lawsuits exploded over the past decade, the city spread most of the work around a dozen firms, who deployed more than 200 attorneys in all plus another 200-plus support staffers.

— Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Definition of reversed

Verb

Censorship occurs when the government tries to revoke the green cards of people whose views its biggest donors would prefer not to hear.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Instead, Judge Kiley Stuchlik, of Idaho’s 3rd Judicial District, on Tuesday revoked Andrea Renee Shaw’s $2 million bond — leaving the young mother behind bars.

— Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026

Definition of revoke

Browse Nearby Words

reversals

reverse

reversed

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Style

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverse

verb

noun

adjective

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