turn 1 of 2

Definition of turnnext
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
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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

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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
The move underscores the significance of the Strait of Hormuz beyond energy exports, as Tehran seeks to turn its geographic leverage into long-term economic and strategic power. Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 17 May 2026 Inevitably and predictably, the film turns into a celebratory coming-out story — and one in which prostate orgasms become the ultimate savior for a vastly heterosexualizing community. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Noun
The favorite in Taj Mahal, the 1 horse, was in the lead from the start until the final turn until Napoleon Solo made his move on the outside and took the lead at the top of the stretch. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 So Darn Pretty jumped out to an early advantage before Chilly Girl took the lead around the final turn. Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Unlike permanent night workers, who can begin to partially adapt over two to four weeks, rotating workers never fully adjust.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
  • The show, which began in 2006, features a rotating series of comedians performing their material in a panel format.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • When Bz points north, Earth’s field resists it; when Bz swings south, the two fields connect, allowing plasma to stream in.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • In a matter of hours, the South Korean Kospi swung from a fresh record high, above the 8,000 milestone, to a 6% loss.
    Katie Foley, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • However, the uptick in flights observed off the Cuban coast is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
  • Charles Melton sweetly dedicated an award to his wife and newborn daughter, deviating from his famously private nature.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • His father, Walter Riley, was one of eleven children of sharecroppers from Durham County, North Carolina, and became an activist at thirteen.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Rodgers and McCarthy spent 13 years together in Green Bay, where Rodgers blossomed into one of the game’s biggest stars after becoming the starting quarterback in 2008.
    Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The average cardholder now carries between $6,500 and $6,800 in revolving debt, well above pre-pandemic levels.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • Today's higher-than-average credit card rates aren't helping, either, as the borrowers who are carrying revolving debt from one month to the next are watching their credit card debt compound rapidly.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Instead, Sydney Lohmann opted to go for goal instead of laying it off, reducing Shaw to toeing the blades of grass beneath her and pondering what might have been.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Ikumelo pondered for a moment and went for Keke Palmer, star of Hustlers and Pimp.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • But with Ben White down injured after 26 minutes and forced off, Arsenal’s season depended on Arteta and his gut feelings again.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • In those circumstances, strong representation depends on more than technical skill alone.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Riley had achieved the effect by using an elaborate pinwheel mechanism that spun mannequin legs at lightning speed.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • The fan that sucks in combustion air and blows out exhaust gases stopped spinning.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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