as in to flip
to change the position of (an object) so that the opposite side or end is showing if you invert the coin, there's a picture of a buffalo on the back

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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

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 invert One 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invert
Verb
  • Video showed masses of children, many in shorts and flip flops or barefoot, standing in an indoor basketball gymnasium.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 July 2025
  • As this tragedy unfolds, every stone should be flipped to find ways to prevent such horrific loss of life.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invert. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!