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

In a ruling published Friday, the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed a district court judge’s injunction preventing the Department of Revenue from accommodating requests to change the gender marker listed on IDs. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2025

Why Standard Chartered sees that buying pressure reversing Wall Street’s next trillion dollar market could grow 10 times by 2030, analysts say ETFs and corporate treasuries should support bitcoin’s uptrend in June as tariff uncertainty lingers Stablecoins are reaching an inflection point. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 14 June 2025

Noun

Chuck’s life unfolds for the audience through three acts, presented in reverse, with the final act telling the story of his childhood. —Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 7 June 2025

Flanagan, also to his credit, goes all in on the legendary author’s unconventional storytelling, a lifetime that unfurls in three acts and in reverse. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 June 2025

Adjective

Told in reverse chronological order, this affecting book relates Bialosky’s experiences caring for her dying mother, Iris. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

The photo used on the cover is from his incredible reverse hurdle over a Jacksonville Jaguars defender during the season. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025