TURN (ON) Synonyms: 199 Similar and Opposite Words

turn (on) 1 of 3

verb (1)

Definition of turn (on)

as in to attack

to take sudden, violent action against it is dangerous to keep tigers as house pets, as they often turn on their masters without warning

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turn-on

2 of 3

noun

as in lure

something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain knew the offer of free pizza would be a major turn-on to the pair of teenagers she had just asked to help her move

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turn on

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to thrill

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings unsurprisingly, the fanboys were turned on by the movie's amazing special effects and slam-bang plot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to trigger

to cause to function would you turn on the TV?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn (on)

Verb

Spain’s front men are difficult to ignore Despite only one attacking return, Lamine Yamal ($10m) is still Spain’s most exciting fantasy option.

— Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The tourist who was attacked by a bison on Friday at Yellowstone National Park is recovering after being flung into the air.

— Zoe Cummings, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of attack

Verb

Abby Wambach scores a thrilling goal to tie it in the 122nd minute, and goalkeeper Hope Solo denies the Brazilians again.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
After so many legendary battles – and a thrilling stretch as teammates at the 2024 Paris Olympics – Curry saw the appeal in ending their careers on the same team.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of thrill

Verb

By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Andrews was one of nearly 40 CATS bus drivers who were physically assaulted from 2023 through 2025.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
In 2010, he was arrested for assaulting his spouse or partner and received a diversion program instead of going to prison.

— Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

They are separated — women in one location with single men, and men and single women in another —and tasked with testing their loyalty to each other despite temptation.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
When stocking a pond, resist the temptation to create a highly diverse fish community.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 9 July 2026

Definition of temptation

Verb

While the plot is being kept under wraps, sources say the film will be a horror thriller, which excited Feig, who, after successfully directing global hit The Housemaid this past Christmas, wanted to try something even darker.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 July 2026
The venture began with Kill 'Em All and then Ride the Lightning, both of which excited longtime fans of the group in 2016.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of excite

Verb

The company told deputies that someone at the Sheriff's Office or a Flock employee could have reactivated the feature, or that a system bug could have automatically activated it.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Press down on the trigger lock switch before squeezing the trigger to activate the blade.

— Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026

Definition of activate

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.

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turnoffs

turn (on)

turn-on

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Style

“Turn (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20%28on%29. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn (on)

verb (1)

noun

verb (2)

Example Sentences

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