Synonyms of reverse

reverse 1 of 3

verb

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

• overturn
• revoke
• switch
• revert
• repeal
• rescind
• abrogate
• annul
• strike down
• countermand
• backtrack
• about-face

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• support
• uphold

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

• flip
• invert
• exchange
• switch
• turn over
• shift
• overturn
• transpose
• upset
• interchange

reverse

2 of 3

noun

1

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

• reversal
• setback
• reversion
• lapse
• knock
• decline
• disappointment
• regression
• downfall
• turnaround
• frustration
• collapse
• fall
• recession
• breakdown
• down
• undoing
• relapse
• letdown
• crash
• comedown
• retrogression
• turnabout
• descent
• ruin
• meltdown

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quo

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

• opposite
• contrary
• obverse
• counter
• antithesis
• negative
• antipode
• inverse
• negation
• converse
• counterpoint
• mirror image
• antonym

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synonym
• analogue
• copy
• counterpart
• duplicate
• replica
• carbon copy

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

• back
• rear
• tail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• front
• face
• forehead
• forepart

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

1

as in reversed

Related Words

• reversed
• rear
• backward
• retrograde
• hind
• rearward
• aft
• after
• posterior
• astern
• sternforemost

Dissimilar Words

• forward

2

as in inverse

Related Words

• inverse
• counter
• obverse
• cross
• antagonistic
• converse
• unlike
• divergent
• dissimilar
• opposite
• hostile
• unfavorable
• negative
• disparate
• adverse
• alien
• antipathetic
• contradictory
• antithetical
• unalike
• polar
• diametric
• contrary
• antipodal
• antipodean

Dissimilar Words

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• identical
• noncontradictory
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

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

Recent Examples of reverse

Verb

Bear then tries to get Ian to reverse the wish, but Ian wishes for money instead. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Trump’s Truth Social spree comes after his administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to reverse several lower court rulings blocking construction of the ballroom without congressional approval. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

Its subtle color palette is made up of versatile neutrals, and the 100% cotton reverse side features a microscopic brown diamond pattern. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

Although many assume protectiveness naturally flows from parent to child, that same instinct can just as easily work in reverse, with kids feeling a strong desire to look after their parents. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 29 July 2026

Adjective

Homes can be visually inspected for compliance from the outside, and enclosing the ground level area for living space after the home is constructed and approved for occupancy would draw a reverse work order. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026

In mice, flies, and human neurons, blocking this reverse electron transport reduced neurodegeneration and improved memory — raising the possibility of an entirely new therapeutic strategy. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026