by turns

phrase

1

: one after another in regular succession

2

: variously, alternately

a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating

Examples of by turns in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

California‘s seven Supreme Court justices appeared by turns perplexed by and incredulous of those theories during oral arguments last month. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Bodies are by turns ethereal and disjointed, glazed and bloodied. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Reportedly the most expensive South Korean movie ever, this inventive monster epic is by turns thrilling and ridiculous. — Gene Park, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Pearce is by turns low-key hilarious and intimidating as the unerringly sure-of-himself businessman, peppering his conversation with colorful Australianisms and profanity while never relaxing his laser focus. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for by turns

• adjourns
• concerns
• discerns
• downturns
• internes
• nocturnes
• returns
• sideburns
• churns
• earns
• ferns
• kerns