This is an incomplete list of reversal indicators. Caution is advised when using these to set a clue, as many are valid only in down clues (*asterisked); there is some disagreement as to whether indicators such as "returned" or "in retirement" may or may not be used in down clues. In general, those suggestive of upwards motion are acceptable only for use in down clues.
- about
- all round
- arising *
- around
- ascend *
- ascendant *
- ascending *
- back
- backfiring
- backing
- backslide
- backtrack
- backward
- back-to-front
- bring back
- bring up *
- brought about
- brought up *
- capsized
- cast up *
- climbing *
- climbing up *
- come back
- coming back
- come up *
- coming up *
- comeuppance *
- contrary
- counter
- cutback
- elevated *
- flip
- flipped
- flipping
- from below *
- from the bottom *
- from the south *
- go around
- go back
- go round
- go west
- going back
- going north *
- going round
- going up *
- head over heels
- held up *
- hoisted *
- hold up *
- in lift*
- in retrospect
- in return
- in turn
- inversion
- invert
- keel over
- keep back
- knock back
- left
- lifted *
- looking back
- looking up *
- make a comeback
- mounted
- northbound *
- on the contrary
- over
- overturn
- overturned
- put up *
- raised *
- raising *
- rear
- recalled
- recede
- recess
- recoil
- recurrent
- reflection
- regress
- reject
- retire
- retired
- retiring
- retreat
- retreating
- retrograde
- retrospective
- return
- reversal
- reverse
- reversed
- reversing
- reversion
- revolution
- revolutionary
- rise *
- rising *
- rolling
- rotate
- round
- send up *
- sent back
- sent up *
- serve up *
- set back
- set up *
- setback
- shown up *
- spun
- stuck up *
- take up *
- turn
- turn back
- turn over
- turn up *
- turned
- turning
- turnover
- turns
- twisted
- up *
- upended *
- uplift *
- uprising *
- upset *
- upside down *
- upturn *
- upward *
- used up *
- written up *