TURN BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turn back

verb

Definition of turn back

as in to repel

to drive back a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

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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 back According to the outlet, the suspect at one point swam toward shore near Temescal Canyon before abruptly turning back into deeper water, prompting lifeguards to move in and end the standoff. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 Congress has grappled with turning back the clocks many times. — Yonat Shimron, NPR, 16 July 2026 By the noise, the chase had turned back from the head of Coya Canyon and had crossed to the ridge toward Albemarle. — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026 There will be no turning back the clock if the House has its way. — Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

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

However, the connection between these filaments and supermassive black holes has been elusive, meaning this mechanism has resisted confirmation.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
For example, if your place has a dining room, resist the temptation to squeeze in a table for six when a normal-size table for four would be more comfortable.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of resist

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

turn away

turn back

turncoat

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“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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