reset
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for reset, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To return something to its original or starting state.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reset
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "re-" plus "set".
Full origin of reset →Frequently asked questions
What does “reset” mean?
The word “reset” means to return something to its original or starting state. In plain terms, to start something over from scratch, or the button/action that makes that happen.
How do you pronounce “reset”?
“Reset” is pronounced ree-SEHT (/ɹiːˈsɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “reset” in a sentence?
Here is “reset” used in a sentence: “Reset the router if the connection drops.”
What part of speech is “reset”?
Depending on how it is used, “reset” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “reset” a common word?
“Reset” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reset” have?
“Reset” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to return something to its original or starting state.
What is the difference between "reset" and "restart"?
"Reset" means to return something to its original or starting state, often erasing changes or progress made since then. "Restart" means to begin something again, such as a device or process, but does not necessarily imply returning to an original state.
What does it mean to press a "reset" button?
Pressing a reset button returns a device or system to its original or starting state, often clearing settings, data, or errors accumulated since it was last set up. This is the noun sense of "reset" referring to the button itself.
Can "reset" be used figuratively, such as for a mindset?
Yes, "reset" is commonly used figuratively to describe returning to an original or starting state in a non-physical sense, such as taking time to reset one's mindset or a relationship. This mirrors its literal meaning of returning something to how it began.