reverse 1 of 3

Definition of reversenext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

reverse

2 of 3

noun

1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverse

3 of 3

adjective

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
City officials hope to reverse that trend by revitalizing the downtown area, from attracting businesses to vacant storefronts to developing unused city sites, such as the corner lot burdened with the remains of Hotel Marysville, which was destroyed by fire in 2024. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The polar vortex, a ring of high-altitude winds, weakens, splits, or reverses as a result of this event, allowing frigid cold Arctic air to move southward into North America and Europe, according to the National Weather Service. Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
Jamie’s story unfolds chronologically, while Cathy’s is told in reverse, a structure that has helped make the musical a modern classic. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 That move sparked outrage among Palisades fire victims, who demanded that the council reverse course. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The second-year pro assisted on two Derrick White threes and a reverse layup by Brown as Boston cut a 14-point deficit to eight. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 Like employees at Target and Ariat, workers in DHL’s reverse logistics network leverage a proprietary decision-making software called ReSKU, which is built to help standardize and hasten returns processing. Peter Sadera, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse
Verb
  • The Virginia Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2024 and remanded it back to the lower court for a new trial.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The Wednesday ruling overturns much of that opinion.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Literally speaking, the image representing the newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans is itself flipped from the pyramid of the past.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That’s flipped now, as intermediate tracks have consistently put on more exciting races while the Next Gen has struggled on short tracks and road courses.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lyft launched Lyft Teen on Monday, a feature that allows 13- to 17-year-olds to hail rides on the app, a reversal of the company’s policy requiring adult supervision for minors.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • And former President Joe Biden made naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, available over the counter.
    Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Your security guard is the opposite of the nurse.
    Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • But my former colleagues do the opposite.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lubesnik’s boss is one of those suits who hates loose cannons and talks about city hall being on his back.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Colmenarez said during his detention on April 16, 2013, he was forced to kneel down and place his head between his legs while the officers hit his back and neck, kicking and stepping on him with their military boots.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Right now, however, the roles appear reversed.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is the inverse aspect of high capital returns.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
  • The Ducks have nearly posted the inverse number, 13 losses in 15 opportunities.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, the California Department of Public Health revoked the licenses of more than 280 hospices over the past two years and has identified about 300 more hospices under review for possible license revocation, according to the governor’s office.
    Linh Tat, Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The city closed Maht Gaek and revoked the establishment’s health permit until the violations could be corrected and a follow-up inspection conducted.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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