turn away

verb

Definition of turn awaynext
as in to repel
to drive back using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 away There were earthquake survivors who feared calling out for help in the language, in case the rescuers turned away. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Alphabet reportedly plans to deploy the chip by 2028 to ease an internal shortage of AI computing power that has strained its operations and forced Google Cloud to turn away customers. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 But on the final Sunday Joe’s stayed open, the restaurant turned away hundreds of people already in line rather than risk cutting corners on quality. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 July 2026 When the men complain of medical conditions to the officers, they are frequently turned away, the families and detainees said in recordings obtained by the Herald. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn away
  1. repel
  2. turn back
  3. resist
  4. repulse
  5. beat off
  6. stave off
Verb
  • We Baltimoreans treasure the role the 1814 battle played in repelling the mighty British forces, which were forced to abandon their siege of Fort McHenry.
    — Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2026
  • Ukrainian air defenses were also working to repel a Russian attack in Ukraine's capital of Kyiv on Friday morning, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • The two-day event was scheduled on Saturday to include a parade, which was to begin in Mitte, in central Berlin, wind its way south into Schöneberg, then turn back northward toward Brandenburg Gate.
    — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Once the water is turned back on, the bread dissolves and simply washes through the plumbing system.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of turn back
Verb
  • If someone pushes back, resist turning it into a battle for dominance.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • And, apparently, her husband Prince Harry couldn’t resist the opportunity to crash.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 July 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • She’s still repulsed by the carving, but her camera is drawn to something else.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Liverpool are keen for the 21-year-old to gain regular senior experience with Hartberg beating off competition from a number of clubs in Switzerland and France.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Happiness beat off competition from second place The Flaws, an absurdist comedy for ZDF that won the official competition at the same fest.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 June 2026
Definition of beat off
Verb
  • That water, equivalent to the annual use of about 600,000 typical households, is expected to add about 3 feet to Lake Mead’s level, enough to temporarily stave off critically low levels for a few months.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • After England got on the board, Argentina's pressure was relentless, but England was able to stave off the Argentine attack for about 30 minutes.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of stave off

Browse Nearby Words

turnarounds
turn away
turn back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20away. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of turn away for Spanish Speakers

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