in·verse
(ˌ)in-ˈvərs 
ˈin-ˌvərs
1
: opposite in order, nature, or effect
2
: being an inverse function
inverse sine
2
: a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem
the inverse of "if A then B" is "if not-A then not-B"
compare contrapositive
3
a
: inverse function
also
: an operation (such as subtraction) that undoes the effect of another operation
b
: a set element that is related to another element in such a way that the result of applying a given binary operation to them is an identity element of the set
Examples of inverse in a Sentence
Adjective
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
Noun
the inverse of your argument
Recent Examples on the Web
Luke Smith, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Esther Feit, Delray Beach Silencing knowledge The Trump administration’s war on literacy and erudition opens a sad chapter on the inverse and hostile relationship between knowledge and power.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025
Naturally, the inverse applies too: when satisfaction declines, communication tends to decline as well.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inverse
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Adjective
As Daniel notes, the longer first stint on the inverse tire strategy didn’t pay off to try and close the gap with a tire delta late on, as the race’s low tire degradation significantly reduced this possibility.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Esther Feit, Delray Beach Silencing knowledge The Trump administration’s war on literacy and erudition opens a sad chapter on the inverse and hostile relationship between knowledge and power.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
La Niña, the inverse of El Niño, is the colder phase of ENSO.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025
Naturally, the inverse applies too: when satisfaction declines, communication tends to decline as well.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inverse
Cite this Entry
“Inverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inverse. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inverse
1 of 2 adjective
in·verse
(ˈ)in-ˈvərs
ˈin-vərs
1
: opposite in order, nature, or effect
an inverse relationship between interest rates and houses sold
2
: being a mathematical operation opposite in effect to another
addition and subtraction are inverse operations
inverse
2 of 2 noun
in·verse
ˈin-ˌvərs,
(ˈ)in-ˈvərs
: something inverse or resulting in or from inversion
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