How does the verb invert contrast with its synonyms?
The words reverse and transpose are common synonyms of invert. While all three words mean "to change to the opposite position," invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.
the number 9 looks like an inverted 6
Where would reverse be a reasonable alternative to invert?
The words reverse and invert can be used in similar contexts, but reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning.
reversed his position on the trade agreement
When is transpose a more appropriate choice than invert?
While in some cases nearly identical to invert, 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
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Recent Examples of invertOne episode inverts the tired old scenario in which white explorers are threatened with death by dark-skinned natives; here, the captors are Nordic warrior women.—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Meanwhile, America's yield curve remains marginally inverted, creating a tale of two continents for banking profitability and economic momentum.—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 The nominal starting formation is a standard 4-3-3 but one of Maresca’s full-backs will usually ‘invert‘, often into the base of midfield and sometimes into one of the attacking half-spaces.—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 June 2025 Firmly press beef mixture into prepared loaf pan; invert pan onto prepared baking sheet to release meatloaf.—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for invert
With President Donald Trump in the White House, the agency has reversed course on several crypto enforcement actions, dropping cases against major players like Coinbase and Binance and signaling a more permissive stance.
—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
On June 14, Trump ordered ICE to pause enforcement actions on farms, but the agency reversed course just days later.
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