What does "obverse" mean?

The heads side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that has the principal design.

What is a synonym for "obverse"?

Common synonyms include: adversative, adverse, adversive, ally, alter ego, analogon.

/ˈɑb.vɚs/ adj, noun

adj, noun ·Common ·High school level

Noun

1
The heads side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that has the principal design.
"The medal had a cross on the obverse and had a name inscribed on the reverse."
2
the side of a coin or medal bearing the principal stamp or design wordnet
3
A proposition obtained by obversion.
4
the more conspicuous of two alternatives or cases or sides wordnet

Adjective

1
Turned or facing toward the observer. not-comparable
"The obverse side of the gravestone has the inscription."
2
Corresponding; complementary. not-comparable
"When you speak clearly, people understand you. If you don't mumble, the obverse effect is observed."
3
Having the base, or end next to the attachment, narrower than the top. not-comparable
"an obverse leaf"

"The oracle taught that the faith of the laity was the obverse of the gods' hidden despair."

From Latin obversus, 1650s.