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
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

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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

2 of 2

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
Birkenstock is celebrating a major milestone this year as its beloved Boston clog turns 50. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 Symptoms arise within the first six months, and children with this type are expected to die before turning 2. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Noun
Portions of the road through unincorporated Lemon HIll, South Oak Park and North and South City Farms have four traffic lanes, a central turn lane and bike lanes without buffers separating bicyclists from traffic. Madison Smalstig july 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 When another golfer’s wife goes through a sudden breakup, Stacy’s attempt to comfort her takes a strange turn. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Throughout its duration, Agbaji rotated between training stations as campers ages 8-18 ran through drills focused on skills, teamwork and leadership.
    Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • For our drone, the whole thing is rotating, so there are no stationary parts.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Around the family, people shared takeout dinners, swung on hammocks and chattered.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • As the pendulum swung back and forth in the second half Argentina was left with 13 men after Joaquin Oviedo and Santiago Carreras were shown yellow cards for a neck roll and professional foul.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Subaru redesigns its midsize SUV without deviating from winning formula.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 15 July 2026
  • Her full-length works often feature people, especially women, holding their ground and deviating from societal expectations, which creates dissonance between their internal and external worlds.
    Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Building regional hub The announcement follows Wisconsin’s passage of Act 165 earlier this year, becoming the first standalone state law in the United States to exempt capital expenditures on fusion energy projects from state sales tax.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Charlotte’s newest revolving sushi bar is poised to open later this week.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
  • Still, most gravitate toward the main pool, where the Delano's social scene has revolved for decades.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • After graduation, Coyne continued taking community college courses while pondering her next steps.
    Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • McElwee has often pondered the downside of essentially treating himself like a human camera, observing the world rather than fully engaging in it.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • The extradition process can take months, depending on what challenges are brought, legal experts said.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Indeed, the seeds are extremely small and can range in color from blue-black to gray, white or pale yellow, depending on the variety.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • In a move first reported by The Athletic, Philadelphia initially reached out to Paul when Gansey and general manager Jameer Nelson spun the trade that brought Jaylen Brown to the Sixers from the Boston Celtics.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Their powerful magnetic fields channel beams of radiation from their magnetic poles that sweep across space as the stars spin, much like the beam of a lighthouse.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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