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 latest diesel fuel cost increases could also reverse a trend of stabilizing inflation rates for food at home in recent months. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 Now, district and school board officials are considering reversing that rollback in order to raise the district’s levy rate and bring in some extra revenue during the shortfall. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

The theory itself doesn’t go into something as granular as biological aging, but the idea of life moving in reverse led me to fungi. — Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026 That combined experience informs Hades Films’ goal of creating theatrical horror made for Gen Z — without treating younger audiences like a market segment that can be reverse-engineered. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The 100 percent cotton yarn twill fabric offers a breathable yet cozy feel perfect for both summer evenings and chilly fall days, while the full-cotton reverse side adds an extra layer of softness. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026 That contrasts with the work of a reverse centaur, who neither chooses nor directs the technology. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

The pork producers group has also intensively lobbied for legislation called the Save Our Bacon Act, which would overturn the state laws.

— Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026
It was overturned by the Automatic Ball-Strike System, and Stewart struck out to end the threat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of overturn

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

Definition of flip

Noun

Game Point additionally offers coach buyout insurance, essentially the opposite of bonus insurance if a school believes its team will have a bad season.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
From the start, Knight envisioned an animation studio where darkness and light weren't treated as opposites.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of opposite

Noun

This time, Florida was strong on offense and defense with running back Jadan Baugh looking like one of the best running backs in the country.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
These back-to-school heroes are crafted out of jersey, and many have kanga pockets at the front (a further allusion to the generation-defining closet staple).

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 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

Adjective

On the daily chart, MOO has formed an imperfect but recognizable inverse head-and-shoulders pattern and decisively broken through resistance around $86-$87.

— Jay Woods, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Of course, by their very definition, cult films almost always flop upon release then slowly build a devoted following whose passion seems to grow in inverse proportion to any original rejection by mainstream audiences.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of inverse

Verb

The Clippers, meanwhile, were hit with a $30 million fine, had five first-round draft picks revoked, saw Ballmer suspended for a year, and (in addition to Frank) longtime business president Gillian Zucker suspended for a year without pay.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Under state law, educators who abandon their contracts after a deadline of 45 calendar days before the start of school could be subject to penalties, including potentially having their teaching certification revoked for one year.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of revoke

Browse Nearby Words

reversals

reverse

reversed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverse

verb

noun

adjective

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