as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of turn back
Adams fell toward goalkeeper and New Jersey native Matt Turner, who was filming the moment, and landed on his left leg before turning back to continue his celebration by climbing back over the couch and then back off it again, his foot again perilously sliding through that space.
—
Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 June 2026
All turned back from fear or foul weather.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 June 2026
For two nights, Mister A’s is turning back the clock to the mid-1960s for a special prix-fixe meal.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
Pagano teased re-entering the ring, only to turn back around and walk off.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 June 2026
All turned back from fear or foul weather.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 June 2026
For two nights, Mister A’s is turning back the clock to the mid-1960s for a special prix-fixe meal.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
Pagano teased re-entering the ring, only to turn back around and walk off.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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That kind of energy, unfortunately, can repel someone.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Knicks owner Jim Dolan took center stage and couldn't resist taking a shot at the mayor during the team's most joyous moment.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
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Some of Díaz-Canel’s statements were remarkable simply for confirming that Cuban leaders knew their economic policies did not work and yet had resisted reforms.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The 20-second clip concluded with Lacob turning away from Dunleavy and throwing up his arms in apparent exasperation.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
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In the fifth minute of extra time Messi got deep into the box and his first shot was initially turned away by an Austrian defender.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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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
Verb
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Perhaps the most publicized of these policy failures is that the federal government hasn’t taken steps to stave off Social Security benefits cuts.—
Naomi Cahn,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
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Adding urgency to its efforts is the need to stave off any prospect of Reform UK winning a general election.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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