turn back

verb

Definition of turn backnext
as in to repel
to drive back a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 back In the 57-second video, which could not be independently verified by PEOPLE, Mason walks away multiple times before turning back to continue yelling back and forth with Donalds. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 Shopify shoppers turned back the clock to invest in simpler things including better sleep, dumb phones, and fixing old devices instead of just buying new ones, according to June sales data shared first with Retail Brew. — Vidhi Choudhary, Fortune, 7 July 2026 Holden’s clinging to purity isn’t only about wanting to turn back time, though. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 The conversation turned back to what has changed in how distribution has evolved internationally, due to streaming. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
  1. repel
  2. resist
  3. turn away
  4. repulse
  5. stave off
  6. beat off
Verb
  • Homegrown catnip oil lotion is just as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to a new study in Uganda.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
  • Some have coatings that are meant to repel water or fingerprints.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 July 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • In fact, the pursuit of a truly American design style—one that turns away from imitation and toward exploration—has been a focus for architects since this country was founded.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2026
  • Another gives the president the power to turn away refugees seeking asylum at the border.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of turn away
Verb
  • Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Gold Bond recently released its Refreshing Hand Creams, a collection of four lightly scented, ultra-hydrating hand creams that stave off scaly, flaky hands without leaving behind a greasy residue.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • The better ballclubs pull out of slumps before the Padres finally did so Sunday, pulling off a 5-2 road victory against the Dodgers that staved off a four-game sweep and halted an eight-game skid.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of stave off
Verb
  • Happiness beat off competition from second place The Flaws, an absurdist comedy for ZDF that won the official competition at the same fest.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 June 2026
  • Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose gets a lot of notice for its athletics programs, but the Monarchs are proving to be the team to beat off the sports fields, too.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of beat off

Browse Nearby Words

turn away
turn back
turncoat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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