26 Palindrome Examples: Words and Phrases That Are the Same Backward and Forward
Updated: Sep. 18, 2023
What is a palindrome? Palindrome words and phrases are spelled the same backward and forward. After reading our roundup, you'll never look at these words the same way again.
What is a palindrome, anyway?
The word “palindrome” might look a little intimidating, but all it means is a word, verse, sentence, or number that’s the same forward and backward––and trust us, after you see these palindrome examples, you’ll be wondering why you never noticed them in the first place. Did you know there are even palindrome sentences? For even more things-you-never-knew-you-needed-to-know trivia knowledge, be sure to jot down all 20 of the hardest words to spell in the English language.
Civic
First on our list of palindrome examples is the word civic, as in relating to a city or a town or the citizens who reside there. If you’ve ever heard the term “civic duty,” it refers to the duty a citizen has to their city or town, which totally makes sense. What don’t always make sense? The 20 most confusing grammar rules in the English language.
Level
Whether this palindrome is used as a noun, adjective, or verb, the word level is pretty common and self-explanatory. Just think of it like you’re leveling up as a word and grammar expert by learning these palindrome examples. Speaking of, these palindrome examples may be used across the country, but regional sayings add a whole new twist to the English language.
Radar
Maybe you’re talking about electronics, maybe you’re talking about your sense of awareness. Regardless, palindrome examples are definitely on our radar right now. Plus, check out these funny malapropism examples.
Noon
Next up on our list of palindrome examples is the word noon. On the weekdays, it’s the best part of the work or school day: lunchtime. On the weekends, noon is basically morning, so there’s that.
Taco cat
Let’s spice up these palindrome examples with some phrases. First up: taco cat. Yes, taco cat. We’re going to chalk that up to a cat dressed up like a taco. Don’t ask any questions; just accept it and move on, just like we’ve all moved on and accepted these new grammar rules that have changed within the last decade.
Aibohphobia
You’re not going to believe this, but Aibohphobia is the (unofficial) name for an irrational fear of palindromes. Is it just us or is that a little cruel? While we’re on the topic of cruel things, how about the fact that your teachers lied to you about these 14 grammar myths?
Was it a car or a cat I saw?
This sentence fits the bill for being just as bizarre as the last palindrome example. By the way, if you’re mistaking a cat for a car or vice versa it might be time to make an appointment with an optometrist to invest in some glasses. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy these cat memes.
Too bad I hid a boot
Go ahead, try naming something worse than hiding a boot. There’s nothing worse than hiding a boot and this palindrome example proves it. Case closed.
Mr. Owl ate my metal worm
Apparently, Mr. Owl has moved on from Tootsie Pops and is now eating metal worms. We’re assuming metal worms are probably not as tasty. Also, why is the worm made of metal? These palindrome examples leave us with a lot of questions. How about testing yourself on these other 26 words from the thesaurus that only English majors know?
Eva, can I stab bats in a cave?
We don’t know who Eva is or why she’s the one we need to get permission from to stab bats in a cave. Disclaimer: We don’t condone stabbing bats in a cave—or anywhere, for that matter. Also, watch out for Eva, she seems like trouble.
No, Mel Gibson is a casino’s big lemon
Sorry, but there’s no arguing with this palindrome example. Mel Gibson is definitely a casino’s big lemon. When life gives you lemons, give them to Mel. These are the grammar mistakes that editors loathe the most.
Racecar
Even if you’re new to the palindrome world, most people have heard that the word racecar makes the list. Go ahead, try reading it backward. Yup, it still says racecar.
Deified
This palindrome example basically means to treat or worship someone or something like a god, or a deity.
Minim
A minim is a measurement used to describe approximately one drop of liquid. As in, the minimal amount, which totally makes sense if you think about it that way. If you’re a word whiz, you can make words even more fun by cracking these grammar jokes.
Murdrum
Murdrum is the crime of killing somebody unknown. This act is usually very secretive––and illegal, of course. If these palindrome examples seem easy, put your word and grammar knowledge to the test with this tricky high school grammar quiz.
Repaper
Repapering is the act of applying new wallpaper. Speaking of, wallpaper is apparently making a comeback, so you might need to use this palindrome example sooner than you thought.
Lemel
A lemel is a small shaving of metal, like gold or silver. This palindrome example is typically used in jewelry stores; use this word next time you visit one to sound super smart. Another way to make yourself sound smarter? Avoiding these 13 grammatical mistakes.
Rotavator
Gardeners should know what this piece of equipment is, but if you don’t have much of a green thumb, it’s a machine that has rotating blades for breaking up soil. The more you know, right? Here are 7 onomatopoeia examples you never realized.
Solos
This palindrome example is the plural form of an act that’s performed by one person. As in, “There were several guitar solos during their performance.” When you’re done watching guitar solos, check out these word puzzles that will leave you stumped.
Refer
If someone refers you to somebody else, you probably did a great job at something—like knowing all of these palindrome examples off the top of your head. That’s definitely something to be proud of.
Sagas
A saga is basically a fancy name for a long story that’s usually about heroic achievements or a series of incidents. Naturally, the word sagas means there are multiple of them. Some well-known sagas you might already know of are George Eliot’s Middlemarch, or, in the semi-modern pop culture world, the Twilight saga.
Tenet
A tenet is a belief, principle, or opinion. As in, it’s our tenet that learning new words AND palindrome examples at the same time is pretty great. By the way, if you want to be a little old school, we’re partial to these 1920s slang words.
Madam
If you’re looking to address a woman respectfully, this is the palindrome example to use. Fun fact: “Ma’am” is just an abbreviated form of “madam.” If you already knew that, you’re probably familiar with these words and phrases only Southern people use.
Mom
Mother, mommy, madre, mami, mama—you get the idea. Regardless of what you call her, she’d probably be proud to see you learning some new palindromes. Boost your knowledge with these pangram examples as well.
Wow
Wow, we know, this one is basic—but you have to admit, some of these palindrome examples are pretty common words we use all the time. Something else you may commonly use and not even realize it: an aphorism.
Rotator
The word rotator speaks for itself. Its job is to rotate and/or to rotate something. Next up, learn the 70 words and phrases you’re probably getting wrong.
