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
• analog
• 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forward

2

as in inverse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

Since taking office for a second run as Brazil’s environment and climate minister in 2023, the country has quickly and dramatically reversed deforestation trends with strict enforcement of environment rules that had been abandoned by her predecessor. —Justin Worland, Time, 9 May 2025

The mass firing of many researchers and staffers at NOAA was — briefly — reversed under court order, then the employees were laid off again. —Alex Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025

Noun

In Vietnam, dusty provincial museums and newer, sleeker ones inaugurated for the 50th anniversary echo the sentiment in reverse, displaying mannequins of wily peasant farmers taking on the U.S. war machine. — Made By History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025

That’s one of the most normal things for a story that was always told in reverse. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025

Adjective

The promise of such innovations — which can, among other medical miracles, target and destroy cancer cells, potentially reverse hearing loss, and enable sickle-cell patients to live without debilitating pain — can hardly be overstated. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2025

Known for its reverse chronological storytelling, the noir thriller stars Rainn Wilson, Wyatt Russell, Ron Livingston, and more. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025