turn 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality will turn 12 in six months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

turn

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3
4
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Lockhart turns these arresting settings into her own stage, capturing the vivid blues and greens of nature, and the remote island’s distinctive geology and geography, while the children at play within the landscapes bring movement and surprise to her extended static takes. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 Contrary to most preseason forecasts by oddsmakers and pundits who gave the Snakes a slight edge, the Padres have turned this year’s two-club race into a rout. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Trump, in turn, reversed that order after returning to the White House in January. Solcyré Burga, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 In some cases, the department distributes money to one nonprofit, which in turn redirects a portion to another non-profit. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Build five core templates that rotate through different content angles.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • For the kinetically-shot scene, in which the camera rotates around Warner Bros.’ New York street set, Berghoff and company had to bring all the decorative elements of a typical Chinatown to the nondescript street.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Longtime guitarist Dougie Needles swung his axe over his left shoulder, holding it aloft for a late solo during the closing number.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • On Friday, the focus will swing to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which has been the home in past years of many big policy announcements from the Fed.
    Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Smith is not deviating from the plan set by his predecessor.
    Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Jack Carr — co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series and author of the books it’s based on — revealed that The Terminal List 2 will deviate from the plot of his second novel True Believer, a stark difference from the first season.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Along with the intricate passing sequences they have traditionally been known for, the Catalans embraced directness and verticality, becoming one of Europe’s best counter-attacking sides.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Topline Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified to become a Category 5 storm on Saturday, one day after being upgraded from a tropical storm, as forecasters warned of flooding and possible landslides in the Caribbean through the weekend.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With minimum salaries starting at $66,000, WNBA players generate the bulk of their income through endorsement deals and partnerships that can revolve entirely around online campaigns.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The components of Connecticut’s plan include a revolving loan fund for solar systems, energy storage, and enabling upgrades for multifamily affordable housing through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
    Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Michael Bier of Foul Territory TV also pondered a division with the Royals, Rangers, Astros and Cardinals.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Thomas and Irish director Mark Cousins pondered over the state of the film industry during a 90-minute conversation, which also covered Harvey Weinstein, Harry Cohn and Thomas’ time spent with some of the biggest filmmakers in history.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Both Butler and Wilson lined up inside and outside to place an emphasis on either stopping the run or getting after the passer, depending on the situation.
    Tashan Reed, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Martinez said there could be a pianist, violinist or jazz performers depending on the night.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kernels of reality and anecdote spun into gospel and motif by media and politicians rooting for the failure of cities.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In January, Perseverance also witnessed a relatively uncommon sight of two dust devils swirling and spinning near one another.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on turn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!