Definition of invertnext
as in to flip
to change the position of (an object) so that the opposite side or end is showing if you invert the coin, there's a picture of a buffalo on the back

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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

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 invert Holding plate and pan together, carefully turn over in one swift motion to invert pommes Anna onto plate. Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026 Both Bam and Giannis, especially Giannis, have thrived on those inverted [pick-and-rolls] when the guy screening for them is a shooter. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 Maresca’s solution was to push Fernandez upfield into the left pocket and invert a full-back into deep midfield next to Caicedo, as well as slowing Chelsea’s possession play to keep the team more compact and better able to manage counter-attacks. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 That gap matters far more now that the premiums have compressed, and in many cases inverted. Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invert
Verb
  • Slicing across the pavement, the aircraft struck several vehicles – including one left flipped onto its side and twisted into an arc not unlike the tail fin logo – before sliding to a fiery stop just shy of a parking lot filled with dozens of cars.
    Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That dynamic has flipped in the Arteta era, to the point where one of Alonso’s most important objectives in Sunday’s game was to shatter the inferiority complex that had seemingly developed in too many of his players.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Giving manufacturers a practical way to reverse that integrity at the end of life could help turn some of those expensive materials back into feedstock instead of waste.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Officials reversed the default and removed Hammond from the chair.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invert. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster