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 However, reacting to these fears with outright bans will not turn back the clock on artificial intelligence. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Things opened up in the second half, highlighted by tight end Travis Kelce turning back the clock for a 59-yard gain in the open field. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 Then the wine and sake pairing started, and there was no turning back. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 They were roared forward by the home crowd in the 82nd minute on the counter-attack, only to pause and turn back to groans of frustration. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

Verb

The running back, 25, had a career night in his first game with the Chiefs, tallying 173 rushing yards on 23 carries, seemingly repelling opponents which resulted in multiple Broncos missed tackles.

— Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
The two countries’ ties have grown stronger since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022 with Pyongyang sending thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to help repel a 2024 Ukrainian incursion there.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

Despite the financial pressures, Velez emphasized that Feeding South Florida is not turning away anyone who needs food assistance.

— Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
As a child in the 1960s, Allie Zemtseff saw how her mother, a Black woman, was turned away by landlords while apartment hunting in white neighborhoods.

— Adrian Florido, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

The Chicago Teachers Union pushed to be part of the program anyway, arguing every dollar would help stave off potential layoffs or program cuts.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
They are banged up, which makes clinching the division and staving off the Atlanta Braves for a first-round bye paramount over the season’s final 12 games.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stave off

Verb

Spurs beat off competition from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Fernandes, while Manchester City were interested in Tonali.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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