Definition of transposenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb transpose contrast with its synonyms?

The words invert and reverse are common synonyms of transpose. While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position.

transposed the letters to form an anagram

When could invert be used to replace transpose?

The synonyms invert and transpose are sometimes interchangeable, but invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.

the number 9 looks like an inverted 6

In what contexts can reverse take the place of transpose?

The words reverse and transpose can be used in similar contexts, but reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning.

reversed his position on the trade agreement

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 transpose Metaphorical Molluscs • Wheels Within Wheels Park Chan-wook manages to both honor and improve upon his source material in this out-of-the-box adaptation, which transposes the action from Victorian England to 1930s colonial Korea, and, honestly, fixes the third act. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026 Nicole Eun-Ju Bell’s video and projection designs subtly transpose the setting when, for instance, Umma meets up with her son at church. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 The series was shot across Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Phuket, transposing le Carré’s espionage framework into a contemporary Asian setting. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026 Like his younger brother, Nick wore 17 in Chicago but agreed to transpose the digits in Minnesota and take 71. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transpose
Verb
  • Mike Leach, the larger-than-life coach credited with popularizing the Air Raid offense and transforming modern college football, has been nominated for the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame class just under four years after his death.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • Supposedly the poem was inspired by a peyote-vision where the edifice of San Francisco’s Sir Francis Drake Hotel was transformed into a hideous, twisted, demonic visage, which inspired the beating heart of Howl’s second section.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Escalante Sandoval then approached the parked van, removed a key concealed in the gas cap and backed it up, allowing a group of people to move three deep freezers from the van into the bed of the truck and load them with packages.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • Nothing has been touched since the artist’s death in 2009 except for dust removed by a neighbor and caretaker.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • In a July 2015 memorandum, the county suggested purchasing a lot near the Bethel House to be converted into a parking lot, then give it to the Bethel House upon completion.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
  • In early January, Chan and five other quantum chemists based out of the California Institute of Technology reached a key milestone in understanding the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and makes life on our planet possible.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Make sure the belt doesn't move, push your knees out into the belt, and hold.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
  • Nippon Dynawave was cited for moving equipment involved before it could be inspected, but not for the incident itself, the news outlet reported.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • As a result of its complications, the team was forced to relocate its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
  • Originally destined for slaughter during the Eid al-Adha festival, the 1,500-pound animal was seized by authorities, spared sacrifice and relocated to the capital’s zoo, where keepers lavish it with care.
    al Emrun Garjon, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Fonenot transferred to Mater Dei Catholic School before this school year.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • After arriving, those items will be transferred immediately into other outbound trucks, along with other incoming deliveries, and sent out to other warehouses.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Introducing a live-in partner too quickly can unintentionally shift that balance.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • According to a report by Channel 13, the Israeli army was surprised by the scale of the fire as well as Hezbollah's decision to shift its operational policy in response to the expansion of Israel’s ground operations beyond the Litani River.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Transpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transpose. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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