reverse

Going or arranged in the opposite direction or order.

• Read the list in reverse order.
• The river briefly flowed in the reverse direction.
• We followed the same steps in reverse sequence.

Similar words: opposite, contrary

Common phrases: reverse order, reverse direction, reverse process

Making a vehicle or engine move or work backward.

• Select reverse gear carefully.
• The pilot used reverse thrust after landing.
• The motor has a reverse setting.

Similar words: backward

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: reverse gear, reverse thrust, reverse drive

The opposite of a situation, statement, or thing.

• The reverse is also true.
• I expected praise but received the reverse.
• Her experience was the exact reverse of mine.

How to use it: the reverse of something (The result was the reverse of what we expected.)

Similar words: opposite, contrary

Common phrases: the reverse, quite the reverse, the exact reverse

The gear that makes a car or other vehicle move backward.

• The car is in reverse.
• He shifted into reverse to leave the garage.
• Check behind you before selecting reverse.

How to use it: put a vehicle in/into reverse (She put the car in reverse and backed out.)

Similar words: reverse gear

Common phrases: in reverse, into reverse, select reverse

A machine setting that makes it move or work in the opposite direction.

• The motor runs in reverse.
• She switched the machine into reverse.
• The engine was stuck in reverse.

How to use it: put something into reverse (Put the motor into reverse to release the rope.)

Similar words: backward setting

Opposites: forward

Common phrases: in reverse, into reverse, switch to reverse

The back or other side of something flat, such as a sheet of paper or a coin.

• The instructions are on the reverse.
• A bird appears on the reverse of the coin.
• She signed the reverse of each photograph.

How to use it: on the reverse of something (Write your address on the reverse of the card.)

Similar words: back, other side

Opposites: front

Common phrases: on the reverse, the reverse side, reverse of something

To change a decision, rule, or action so that the opposite happens instead.

• They reversed their decision.
• The court reversed the earlier ruling.
• Will the government reverse its policy?

Similar words: overturn, revoke, undo

Opposites: uphold

Common phrases: reverse a decision, reverse a ruling, reverse a policy

To turn something the other way or put its parts in the opposite order.

• Reverse the order of the names.
• The motor reversed its direction.
• Can you reverse the flow of water?

Similar words: invert, turn around

Common phrases: reverse the order, reverse direction, reverse the flow