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Definitions

turn the tables

VERB
exchange
Synonyms
STRONGEST
swap
STRONG
alternate bandy bargain barter castle change commute correspond displace flip-flop interchange invert market network rearrange reciprocate replace reverse revise seesaw shift shuffle shuttle substitute switch traffic transact transfer transpose truck
WEAK
buy and sell cash in change hands contact with convert into deal in give and take go over to hook up horse-trade link up pass to pay back return the compliment swap horses
Antonyms
STRONG
continue deny hold keep leave alone refuse remain
VERB
invert
Synonyms
STRONG
alter backtrack capsize change convert evert flip flip-flop introvert modify overturn renege revert tip transpose turn upend upset
WEAK
double back inverse transplace turn down turn inside out turn over upturn
Antonyms
STRONG
continue grow hold keep leave alone persist remain stay straighten
VERB
modify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adapt adjust correct customize repair reshape revise rework tweak vary
STRONG
become convert doctor mutate recast redo refashion reform remodel reorganize transfigure transform transmogrify transmute turn
WEAK
shift gears switch over turn one around turn over new leaf turn the corner
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disarrange disorder remain spoil stay unfit
STRONG
hurt
WEAK
grow increase leave alone stagnate
VERB
oppose
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argue assail attack debate defy deny disagree dispute face fight prevent protest resist
STRONG
assault bar battle bombard check combat confront contradict controvert counter counterattack cross disapprove encounter expose gainsay hinder neutralize reverse taunt thwart withstand
WEAK
call in question face down fly in the face of frown at not countenance run counter to search out speak against stand up to take a stand take issue take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept agree aid allow comply give in go along harmonize help retreat support surrender yield
STRONG
approve assist encourage forward make peace permit
WEAK
favor join participate
VERB
reverse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter annul dismantle invalidate lift modify nullify overrule overturn quash repeal rescind revoke set aside undo
STRONG
backpedal backtrack convert countermand flip-flop negate overthrow recall renege retract upset
WEAK
declare null and void double back overset turn around
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow approve keep pass permit retain sanction validate
STRONG
hold
WEAK
enforce go ahead meet reserve
VERB
shift
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter change deviate drift move relocate remove ship shuffle transfer turn vary veer
STRONG
about-face budge cook dislocate displace disturb exchange fault flip-flop rearrange replace reposition stir substitute swerve tack transmogrify transpose vacillate waffle yo-yo
WEAK
blow hot and cold bottom out change gears dial back do up hem and haw move around move over recalibrate swap places switch over turn around turn the corner
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continue fix hold keep remain stay
STRONG
calm leave alone order
WEAK
deactivate stagnate
VERB
transform
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter convert mold mutate reconstruct remodel revamp revolutionize transfer translate
STRONG
commute cook denature doctor metamorphose renew switch transfigure transmogrify transmute transpose
WEAK
make over shift gears sing different tune switch over turn around turn over new leaf turn the corner
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hold keep remain
WEAK
leave alone preserve stagnate
VERB
transpose
Synonyms
STRONG
alter backtrack change commute convert exchange flip-flop interchange inverse invert metamorphose move put rearrange relocate render reorder reverse revert shift substitute transfer transfigure transform translate transmogrify transmute turn
WEAK
double back
Antonyms
STRONG
continue fix hold keep persist preserve remain remove stagnate stay take
WEAK
leave alone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But a war for control of the Strait of Hormuz would likely turn the tables.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“I said, ‘I’m going to turn the tables and surprise them,’” she revealed.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who fell 140-138 to Miami in an overtime heartbreaker on Monday, rallied to turn the tables with a 130-116 triumph over the Heat.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

England attack coach and former scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth highlighted Dupont's ability to turn the tables on a defence, launching attacks when apparently close to losing possession and territory, as one of his greatest assets.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2025

“In the other,” added Nala, “we turn the tables on alien invaders.”

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein