Definitions

turn the tables

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exchange v.
invert v.
modify v.
oppose v.
reverse v.
shift v.
transform v.
transpose v.

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.

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turn the tables

Websites like DeFlock, FlockHopper and HaveIBeenFlocked purport to turn the tables on Flock by posting camera locations and helping residents elude them.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

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

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

turn the tables

Example Sentences

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