reverse 1 of 3

verb

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
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
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

1
as in reversed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inverse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Hopefully, new leadership reverses course and releases this information. —Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 Stretching may help restore some of the mobility but doesn't necessarily reverse the condition. —Catherine Moyer, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
Noun
Earlier this month, the People's Bank of China announced to cut the seven-day reverse repurchase rates by 10 basis points to 1.4% from 1.5%. —Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 May 2025 In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship – which was flying a large Mexican flag – could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. —Danielle Wallace , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
Playing matchups against pitchers with reverse splits. —Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2025 The motor can shut down entirely on landing and even reverse prop to slow. —Joe Salas may 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverse
  1. overturn
  2. flip
  3. reversal
  4. opposite
  5. back
  6. inverse
  7. revoke
  8. setback
Verb
  • Foreign universities want to hire them May 25, 2025 The suit also seeks to overturn the Trump administration’s 15% cap on indirect costs related to research, which universities say are critical to carrying out their work.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The suit, which hopes to overturn the law, argues that the city’s ordinance violates the First Amendment and does not apply to other forms of speech, like a political candidate asking for support or a church member proselytizing.
    — Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • In Nu-Nerd, fashion flips the script of what society deems is cool by embracing the antithesis the high fashion trends.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025
  • United Launch Alliance’s years-long delays with its new Vulcan rocket have flipped the script for national security missions, making SpaceX the new reliable provider.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Definition of flip
Noun
  • The new leadership brought about a radical shift in foreign policy towards a more pro-Islamic, anti-Western approach—and a reversal of its stance towards Israel.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 May 2025
  • The speed of that reversal underscores just how fast attitudes are changing.
    — Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of reversal
Noun
  • Known on the international festival circuit for his epically minimalist features with bladder-busting running times, his movies are challenging, high-art dramas made for a very select few — the opposite of the flashy, ADHD-friendly content found on streamers.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • Adding another type of account to the already overcomplicated savings laws is the opposite of what Congress should be doing.
    — The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2025
Definition of opposite
Noun
  • The long gray building appears to be an amalgamation of a house and a cafe, back to back.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2025
  • Rodriguez walked passed the victims and two other people, then turned to face the victims' backs and fired several times at them, the affidavit said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of back
Adjective
  • Yields and bond prices have an inverse relationship, so as yield increase, bonds decrease, often a sign of diminishing confidence among investors.
    — Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 23 May 2025
  • Modern universities are essentially engaged in a contest of inverse ratio: Which can claim the most dramatic differential between the amount of money piled up and the percentage of applicants turned away.
    — Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of inverse
Verb
  • The Administration sought to revoke the immigration status of thousands of international students in April.
    — Solcyré Burga, Time, 20 May 2025
  • Significantly, this executive order revokes a previous one, issued by President Bill Clinton, which mandated that the federal government offer linguistic access to people with limited English proficiency.
    — Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Definition of revoke
Noun
  • Yet Vardy took his early setbacks and used them to become one of the most resilient players in history.
    — Ciarán McArdle, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • By all accounts, there has been no setback in his return from the elbow inflammation that has sidelined him since mid-March.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025
Definition of setback

Browse Nearby Words

reversals
reverse
reversed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverse. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reverse

Nglish: Translation of reverse for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reverse

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