Reverse Definition & Meaning

reverse
adjective
  1. directed or moving toward the rear; "a rearward glance"; "a rearward movement"
  2. of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle; "in reverse gear"
  3. reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
noun
  1. a relation of direct opposition; "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
  2. the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
  3. an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
  4. the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
  5. (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
  6. turning in the opposite direction
verb
  1. change to the contrary; "The trend was reversed"; "the tides turned against him"; "public opinion turned when it was revealed that the president had an affair with a White House intern"
  2. turn inside out or upside down
  3. rule against; "The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill"
  4. cancel officially; "He revoked the ban on smoking"; "lift an embargo"; "vacate a death sentence"
  5. reverse the position, order, relation, or condition of; "when forming a question, invert the subject and the verb"

Synonyms for reverse

annul

declare invalid; "The contract was annulled"; "void a plea" cancel officially; "He revoked the ban on smoking

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
backward

at or to or toward the back or rear; "he moved back"; "tripped when he stepped backward

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
blow

a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon; "a blow on the head" an impact (as from a collision)

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
contrary

very opposed in nature or character or purpose; "acts contrary to our code of ethics

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countermand

a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command cancel officially; "He revoked the ban on smoking

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inverse

reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect opposite in nature or effect or relation to another quantity

♫ Rhymes
invert

make an inversion (in a musical composition)

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lift

the act of giving temporary assistance the component of the aerodynamic forces acting on an airfoil that opposes

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opposite

directly facing each other; "the two photographs lay face-to-face on the table

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override

a manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic device the act of nullifying; making null and void

♫ Rhymes

"Reverse" in song lyrics

See how reverse is used in real songs:

  • "the criminal times but time rollin in reverse"
    3rd Bass — Problem Child
  • "Born in reverse"
    Almighty — Top Hat Rap
  • "Wishin that I coulda put it all in reverse"
    Big Mike f/ Akon — Ride On

Words that rhyme with reverse

See all rhymes for reverse →

Usage tips for "reverse"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "reverse" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for reverse to find words that pair well.

Use "reverse" in a verse

Now that you know what "reverse" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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♫ Rhymes with reverse ↔ Synonyms for reverse 🔬 Words containing reverse

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