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

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
The documentary categories at the 98th annual Academy Awards honored a pair of films that turned the lens on matters of life and death. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 But after one more Post basket, the Knicks – led by Brunson and OG were able to hang around and then turn the tide. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
But now, growing fears of inflation caused by higher gas prices that in turn drive up the costs of shipping, food and heating are shifting expectations. Brian Cheung, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026 The turn of the millennium is when vodka was at the apex of its cultural power. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Frequent glenohumeral internal rotation deficit tests, which reveal how far back a player’s shoulder can rotate, are strong indicators of potential arm injuries.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The force includes contingents from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma, with units rotating in and out of the District on staggered timelines.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The players had to swing from the opposite side of the plate — left-handed for righties and right-handed for lefties.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The 28-year-old swung a hot bat before his injury and is 4 for 5 with the pair of extra base hits since his return.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Season two of One Piece brings in three rather surprising character appearances that deviate from their introductions in the anime and manga.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The director's take deviates from Shelley's in its emphasis on forgiveness.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Fingerhut said his organization had warned federal officials just a day before the Michigan attack that the risk of violence was escalating, describing the incident as coming within inches of becoming something far worse.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Qajar-dynasty kitsch—kings with walrus mustaches and embellished turbans, women with unibrows in tunics—became ubiquitous as a motif in contemporary art, on the walls of cafés, on teapots.
    Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While the Broadway production was presented on a huge, revolving set, this intimate black-box staging will focus on the language and storytelling in the script.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The 28-year-old is loquacious and engaging, the ideal traits for someone around whom a team revolves.
    Maria Torres, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan once pondered that the extras who make up the hive mind on the dystopian future show should be naked.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Rice pondered about his team in the final moments of his Wednesday press conference.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Payments largely depend on a recipient’s retirement age.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The free city bus stops right in front of the hotel every 20 minutes depending on the season.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the Illini were trying to build a first-half lead, Stojaković took a pass at the top of the key, drove left, then right, then spun to the basket for a layup and a foul.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The recycled cotton and polyester are then extracted in batches and spun back into new denim fabric.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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