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

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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

1
2
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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
Soon, people began showing up in copycat Pikachu costumes — like the one pictured at the top of this story — turning his gesture into an unexpected trend at the protests. Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2025 Advocacy group the Union of Concerned Scientists on Friday said that shuttering the EPA's scientific arm that conducts independent research and folding it into policy offices will turn the EPA into a purely political agency. Valerie Volcovici, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Noun
The biggest need was assuring Golden feels capable of bringing his vision to life and, in turn, resuscitating this franchise’s championship hopes. Paul Dehner Jr., New York Times, 2 May 2025 An oversized unit will cool quickly, but the space will feel humid and warmer, which will prompt you to lower the temperature on your thermostat—and in turn, increase your energy bill. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Rather than tiring the players out, the Conference League has given Maresca more opportunity to rotate and give everyone game time, therefore keeping fringe members happier.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The 70-year-old Boca Raton Museum of Art has an impressive permanent collection, thought-provoking rotating exhibits, a sculpture garden, and a design-forward gift shop with artisan gifts, contemporary home designs, jewelry, and more—perfect for unique souvenirs.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 127-85 in the collective fourth quarters, a decisive advantage that swung several games in the series.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • With this in mind, the Dodgers could look to swing a blockbuster trade for a rental starting pitcher to help them down the stretch this season.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In space, satellites deviated from their trajectories due to the changes in air density caused by the sudden heating triggered by the energetic processes.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 May 2025
  • Industry stakeholders argue that the USCIS’s current two-year requirement deviates from both the law and investor expectations, potentially jeopardizing long-term projects.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After about seven days of feeding, the larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and pupate, becoming an adult screwworm, according to the USDA.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Prior to that fight, Crawford became the undisputed welterweight champion with a ninth-round TKO win over Errol Spence Jr in 2023.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • For example, all six Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar locations in Dallas have at least two delivery robots that aid in waiting and bussing tables.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025
  • As the time progressed and the discs revolved, the appropriate hour and minutes were revealed via small cutout windows.
    Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • However, because of these strengths, their viability depends enormously upon what kind of data they have been trained on.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Silicon Valley’s workforce, economy and future depend on it.
    Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • In a video posted by PBR, That Mexican OT spun away from a charging bull on two occasions, just barely escaping its horns.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
  • There are plenty of reasons to believe Milwaukee wouldn’t go for such an offer: Butler doesn’t exactly fit a rebuild timeline (and an unhappy Butler has made waves before), and spinning his sizable contract off to another team would likely prove difficult.
    Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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