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 next

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

As a result, the report warned drinking water could be threatened for the Fresno region community and major salmon restoration progress could be reversed. —

Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 In Ohio, the trend is reversed. —

Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026

Noun

The driver was looking to go in reverse into a parking spot but drove forward by mistake, the Sheriff’s Office said. —

Noah Daly may 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 May 2026 And the Knicks, who’d been turned over and scored on in transition regularly throughout the series, pulled an UNO reverse card, scoring 21 points off 19 Hawks turnovers on the night. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Adjective

School districts across San Diego County are struggling to improve attendance and reverse declines in enrollment. —

Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 Newly available treatments protect the kidneys from the disease—and potentially reverse albuminuria, Grams says. —

Matt Fuchs, Time, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse

Verb

Turner wasted one of the Phillies’ two ABS challenges trying to overturn a strike-three call on a pitch firmly in the zone.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
The verdict came after New York’s highest court in 2024 overturned his rape conviction in a landmark ruling that some called a referendum of the shortcomings of the #MeToo movement.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Definition of overturn

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 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverse

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