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
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
While not all traditional left turns are barred in New Jersey, the state does implement jughandles as a means for cars to make safer left turns on high-traffic roadways.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn
Verb
By parodying the spectacle that once defined him, James cleverly reclaims the narrative, turning an infamous moment into a savvy branding opportunity.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
To add insult to injury, Death Valley as a surface-level alien conspiracy in the Eisenhower era is far less interesting from its onset and deeply unsatisfying, being riddled with inconsistencies at every turn.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
While not all traditional left turns are barred in New Jersey, the state does implement jughandles as a means for cars to make safer left turns on high-traffic roadways.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
-
Otherwise, there’s no reason for Banks to be rotating with Cor’Dale Flott, who has been the better player at every stage of this position battle.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, rotating art exhibitions, and landscaped courtyards with firepits and hammocks.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the 2022 and 2024 cycles, pro-Israel groups swung into Democratic primaries, spending money against progressive critics of the Jewish state and keeping several out of Congress.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Rather than slash and swing away after spotting the play, Stott tried to get the ball down and deaden it, increasing the level of difficulty.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Observers say Trump is unlikely to deviate from this trend, but that military commanders can never be sure what approach a new administration will take in the future.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Its music is both jazzier and more operatic; the flow and technical blueprint of each stage completely deviate from what’s been seen before.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Goldberg-Polin has become a global advocate for the remaining hostages, meeting with world leaders and speaking publicly about her loss.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The prolonged legal proceedings moved about 100 miles northeast to Kenton County because the mystery surrounding Brenda Sue Schaefer's death had become a high-profile case in Louisville.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Traditionally, Sean Payton’s teams deploy a revolving personnel carousel that can leave opposing defensive coordinators dizzy.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The agency would have to direct $10 million from the Main Street Housing Rehabilitation revolving loan fund to the program.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This includes watching the sketches Stiller & Meara performed on countless talk shows, critiquing their respective styles and pondering how much or little from their seemingly candid appearances and interviews was meant to be taken as truth and not performance.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Many pondered what McDavid, many who believe is the NHL’s best player, would do.—
Greg Liodice,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Betterment Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Achieving cost parity with China for batteries requires production at scale, and that scale depends on strong, sustained demand for EVs, the largest battery consumer.—
Rebecca A. Fannin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
As the ball spun slowly toward shortstop Trea Turner, Teoscar Hernández broke toward the plate.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Will the ballerina spin into the arms of the handsome suitor?—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share