turn 1 of 2

1
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis turned the doorknob as quietly as possible

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2
as in to swing
to change the course or direction of (something) the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around he turned his cart uphill

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3
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we turned left at the light the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area

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4
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality will turn 12 in six months

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5
6
7
as in to depend
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) what we do next turns on your answer to the following question

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8
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around all the new information made his head turn

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9
as in to persuade
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife

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turn

2 of 2

noun

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5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication

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6
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of turn
Verb
When Escobedo turned 50 in 2016, Kimmel looked back on their friendship, which started when Kimmel and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1977. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025 And even with these interventions turned all the way up, recovery will take time. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
Jojo’s fortunes took an unexpected turn when a devastating 2021 storm swept across the Maritime Alps, the mountain range dividing France and Italy. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 The ruling could in turn hold implications for the nation's federal debt, the group said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • However, don’t be surprised if Miami rotates cornerback in this game.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Patriots have rotated their linebackers next to Robert Spillane all season with Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu and Jahlani Tavai all seeing snaps.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Accumulations could swing wildly block to block.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • In Manassas Park, Virginia, a city that is nearly 40% Hispanic, the electorate swung 22 points to the left last week for Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.
    Halle Troadec, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But critics also pointed out the ways in which the film deviated from real life.
    Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Quite the opposite, in fact, which doesn’t deviate much from his usual nature.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • For millions across China, especially those who watch the US from a fascinated digital distance, Chen became a one-man portal into the American presidency, without the clunky geopolitical baggage.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The visit of Yeovil Town this afternoon (Saturday) will be the first time Scunthorpe have played since Gjoshe became a victim of the knife attack.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While some pay off the balance each month, about 60% of credit card users have revolving debt, according to the New York Fed.
    Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Creating a revolving load fund for affordable housing projects.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But the moment is fleeting, as the orchestra strikes back up, the sharp edge is dulled, the curtain falls, and audiences are left to ponder how a show so big could also say so little.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025
  • In this bleak economic environment, professionals who have lost their jobs as a result of AI are likely pondering what their next career move should be; whether to transition into a new industry or profession, or how to beef up their arsenal of skills.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Oxygen produces green or red depending on the altitude, and nitrogen either blue or purple.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • But this is still a flawed team in a lot of ways, depending heavily on Jackson staying healthy and being at his best every Sunday.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to the report, McClure was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer southbound when the vehicle left the road and began to spin.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Entertainers tend to bend memory to their advantage; Margolick, contemptuous of myth, straightens the record, especially the legends spun by Mel Brooks, Caesar’s protégé.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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