reverse 1 of 3

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

reverse

2 of 3

noun

1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

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
At sentencing, Davis gave up the right to seek a reverse waiver, which would have offered him a chance to have his case moved to juvenile court, where more emphasis is placed on age-appropriate programming and punishments. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 16 July 2025 Though previous omni-rides have been controlled by twist-grips – where the left controls forward/reverse motion and the right tips left or right – Bruton has taken on viewer suggestions and opted for joysticks at the handlebar of this project. New Atlas, 15 July 2025
Noun
As conversations around nutrition, metabolic health, and food education continue to grow, keto is becoming a powerful tool for weight management, reversing chronic illness, and sustaining a healthier lifestyle. Essence, 10 July 2025 The driver reversed into the man, striking him with either the side mirror or the fender area before driving away, according to police. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Adjective
Bauman's brother put the vehicle in reverse in an attempt to flee before both suspects began shooting at the vehicle. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 In that case, the country could see something that resembles the two and a half decades of Gavi run in reverse. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse
Verb
  • Six appealed their disqualifications but none of the disqualifications were overturned, the NYPD said in court papers.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • The Department of Justice (DOJ) has called on the Supreme Court to reject an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell to overturn her conviction.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This meal actually earned high marks for flavor and texture, but there was one big problem: The heating instructions for this meal ask you to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • To flip the script, more young people must be able to identify and access the skills to participate in a digital and green economy.
    Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • What followed the takeover can only be described as a total reversal of the progress made in the country during the twenty years of the Afghan Republic, and the return of terror.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • For President Donald Trump, whose political career has benefited from voter anxiety over Washington elites, the health of his predecessor and the riches of Wall Street, the past week offered a reversal of fortune.
    Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • In fact, his position and his actions do the opposite.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • In that way, cutting taxes that feed the trust fund does the opposite of protecting Social Security.
    Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition, some vehicles only have to display a back plate, like historic vehicles and motorcycles.
    Eleanor Nash July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
  • For a sheriff who frequently talks about demanding accountability, Tony’s threat to turn his back on a city of 87,000 residents is exactly the kind of talk lawbreakers want to hear.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • As Blurton explains it, in the strength world, load and velocity often have an inverse relationship.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Pictured here is an inverse head-and-shoulders formation that dates all the way back to the start of 2025.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Ogles’ comments come as the Trump Administration has signed executive orders in an attempt to eliminate DEI programs, in addition to revoking the student visas of international students at universities throughout the country.
    Ruben Montoya, The Tennessean, 19 July 2025
  • The call for ideas also follows the department’s decision just one day earlier to revoke $4 billion in funding from California’s high-speed rail project.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Earlier this month, Greene was supposed to make a rehab start but suffered a setback with his groin and back injury.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • In the late 2000s, Erdogan started secret talks with the PKK leadership in Oslo, in coordination with Ocalan, which faced sabotage and setbacks, but eventually led to a ceasefire by the PKK in 2013.
    Ragip Soylu, Time, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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