How does the verb invert contrast with its synonyms?
The words reverse and transpose are common synonyms of invert. While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.
the number 9 looks like an inverted 6
Where would reverse be a reasonable alternative to invert?
The words reverse and invert 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
When is transpose a more appropriate choice than invert?
While in some cases nearly identical to invert, 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
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Recent Examples of invertRun a knife around edges of cake before inverting onto a baking sheet.—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026 Carefully invert the pan, plate and all, so that the ijeh ends up on the plate.—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Jan. 2026 That’s just bad, but what’s unforgivable is how flippantly King of the Monsters inverts the atomic metaphor that begat Godzilla.—James Grebey, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026 Even the accompanying food pyramid reflects the reversal, appearing almost entirely inverted from earlier versions.—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invert
The Nuggets responded with consecutive 3s by Murray and Jalen Pickett to flip the tide.
—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
14 Jan. 2026
In December, the Emmy-winning Entertainment Tonight host flipped the script and took on a whole new role in the Lifetime holiday movie A Runaway Bride for Christmas.
The 24-year-old guard is the Wolves’ lightning bolt, the man capable of supercharging the team performance and reversing the current rough course Minnesota is charting.
—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
The job apocalypse may not be here just yet, but the nature of work is already shifting in ways that could be hard to reverse — or even meaningfully predict.