1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
5
as in to revolve
to move in circles around an axis or center
the wheels turned, but the car was hopelessly stuck and wasn't moving
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to
turned the question every which way but could find no answer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
8
1
as in walk
a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure
would you care to take a turn around the garden?
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance
one good turn deserves another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tendency
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
an adventurous turn of mind that led him toward more physical activities like biking and skateboarding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bend
something that curves or is curved
right after this turn in the road you'll find the antiques shop on the right
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the breakeven price for projects in Venezuela to turn a profit is more like $80, according to Claudio Galimberti, the chief economist for Rystad Energy.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
The ruling could in turn hold implications for the nation's federal debt, the group said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn
Verb
Others dive the Vandenberg, a massive former military ship turned artificial reef now draped in coral and schooling fish, or swing by the Southernmost Point for a photo with the iconic buoy.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the breakeven price for projects in Venezuela to turn a profit is more like $80, according to Claudio Galimberti, the chief economist for Rystad Energy.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
Jojo’s fortunes took an unexpected turn when a devastating 2021 storm swept across the Maritime Alps, the mountain range dividing France and Italy.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
The ruling could in turn hold implications for the nation's federal debt, the group said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
-
However, don’t be surprised if Miami rotates cornerback in this game.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The Patriots have rotated their linebackers next to Robert Spillane all season with Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu and Jahlani Tavai all seeing snaps.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
At the end of Monday's live Atlas demonstration, the humanoid prototype swung its arms in a theatrical gesture to introduce a static model of the new product version of Atlas, which looked slightly different and was blue in color.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Chiefs’ special teams also never swung the field with a return for a touchdown.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The resolution would authorize the state to redraw its congressional district maps in the middle of the 10-year cycle, deviating from the current practice of redistricting only after the federal census every 10 years.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
So don’t expect Bowden to deviate from his roster-building plan now, even though USC might have immediate needs at several spots, such as defensive line, linebacker, the secondary and receiver.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For millions across China, especially those who watch the US from a fascinated digital distance, Chen became a one-man portal into the American presidency, without the clunky geopolitical baggage.—
Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The visit of Yeovil Town this afternoon (Saturday) will be the first time Scunthorpe have played since Gjoshe became a victim of the knife attack.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
While some pay off the balance each month, about 60% of credit card users have revolving debt, according to the New York Fed.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Creating a revolving load fund for affordable housing projects.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Oxygen produces green or red depending on the altitude, and nitrogen either blue or purple.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
But this is still a flawed team in a lot of ways, depending heavily on Jackson staying healthy and being at his best every Sunday.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Advancing to the bonus round, Alison spun the wheel again and managed to solve an eight-letter puzzle with just three letters on the board.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
From trad wives to spin classes to caregiving, Smithuijsen reveals how late stage capitalism strips women of agency and traps them in endless cycles of empty consumption and thankless labor.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share