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

An unexpected twist In 2022, the Army Corps of Engineers reversed course. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 This isn’t the first time FIFA has reversed a player’s suspension from games. — Yash Roy, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Noun

But the Philly show is a sting operation reverse-ambush. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Its 5,010mAh battery supports reverse charging to power your earbuds or a secondary phone in an emergency. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Adjective

Following the spin, the remaining company, which will be called Honeywell Technologies, will undergo a 1-for-2 reverse stock split. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 June 2026 The frustration is so widespread that new workforce trends are emerging, including reverse recruiting—paying someone to help land you a position. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

Rampaging around towns on the Tasmanian coast, Neil has stolen hearts even as he has been spotted overturning road posts, ramming into cars, sleeping in residential areas and blocking traffic.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
Footage from the scene indicated at least eight vehicles were involved, including several that sustained heavy damage, and one that overturned.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

In the end, Seattle outmaneuvered and outbodied the Sparks, snatching steals and flipping the ball around the perimeter until the Storm fired off a shot.

— Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Ahead of last year’s trade deadline, the Giants flipped Rogers to the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Drew Gilbert and right-hander Blade Tidwell.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Definition of flip

Noun

The United States is in the grips of one of the most drastic reversals of green energy infrastructure currently underway on our increasingly warm world.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 July 2026
Hollywood largely stayed away in 2025, so early signs point to a reversal this year.

— Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Definition of reversal

Noun

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed.

— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
They’re also equipped with two side pockets and a hidden back pocket to securely stow small essentials like house keys.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 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

In a panel labeled equity, the shorter people get extra boxes in inverse proportion to their height.

— Teresa M. Bejan, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Betting on upside for the fund means betting on downside for chips, as the fund targets 300% of the inverse daily move in the NYSE Semiconductor Index.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Definition of inverse

Verb

The United States also issued a waiver for Iran to sell oil on the global market as part of the MOU, a major concession that briefly offered the country an economic lifeline before it was revoked July 7.

— Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
However, Disney, the parent company of ABC, revoked the suspension and the show has remained on air since.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverse

verb

noun

adjective

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