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What's the word for when a word is spelled the same forward and backward?
The word you're looking for
A palindrome is a word, phrase, or number that reads the same forward and backward. It fits your clue exactly.
Other words that fit
Use this in very simple, informal speech, but it is not the standard term.
This describes the idea clearly, but it is less common than palindrome.
Use this for a word that becomes a different word backward, but it is rare and playful.
Why this word
The normal word for something spelled the same forward and backward is palindrome. It can be a single word like “level,” or a longer phrase like “never odd or even.” People sometimes say “mirror word,” but that is not the standard term. Do not confuse it with a word that simply spells a different word backward, which is called a semordnilap. Palindrome is the best choice in everyday English and in school English.
In context
- “Level” is a palindrome.
- “Madam” is also a palindrome.
- “Racecar” is a common palindrome.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is a palindrome only a word?
- No. A palindrome can be a word, phrase, number, or even a sentence.
- Is “racecar” a palindrome?
- Yes. It is spelled the same from both directions.
- What is the opposite of a palindrome?
- There is no perfect opposite, but a word that becomes a different word backward is a semordnilap.