Reverse meaning

What does “reverse” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“reverse” is a noun, verb and adjective with 14 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a relation of direct opposition.

reverse

a relation of direct opposition
“we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true”
Synonymscontrary opposite
the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
Synonymsreverse gear
an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
Synonymsreversal setback blow black eye
the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
Synonymsverso
Oppositesobverse
(American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
turning in the opposite direction
Synonymsreversion reversal turnabout turnaround

change to the contrary
“The trend was reversed”
“the tides turned against him”
Synonymschange by reversal turn
turn inside out or upside down
Synonymsturn back invert
rule against
“The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill”
Synonymsoverrule overturn override overthrow
cancel officially
“He revoked the ban on smoking”
“lift an embargo”
Synonymsrevoke annul lift countermand repeal overturn rescind vacate
reverse the position, order, relation, or condition of
“when forming a question, invert the subject and the verb”
Synonymsinvert

directed or moving toward the rear
“a rearward glance”
“a rearward movement”
Synonymsrearward
of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle
“in reverse gear”
Oppositesforward
reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
Synonymsinverse

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University