TURN BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turn back

verb

Definition of turn back

as in to repel

to drive back a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

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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 back Tight end Travis Kelce looks like he’s turned back the clock for Kansas City, which is running the ball well. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 An Israeli military official said its fighter jets had turned back before the plane landed at Tabuk. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 About halfway through the evening, attention turned back to Pugh as Guiducci and Bajaria lauded the Oscar-nominee. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026 Case Keenum turned back the clock, as the 38-year-old quarterback led the Chicago Bears to a resounding 27-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

Verb

Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in and around polling places unless force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
The patent-pending fabric technology delivers the comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to the high-pile fleece.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

He got stuffed by double-team blocks and turned away by larger Toronto wings, who manhandled the slighter forward in his attempts to create downhill momentum.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Cook, meanwhile, turned away from electronics toward acoustic instruments, taking inspiration from Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and the Incredible String Band.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

But in the end, when Miami needed to the most, the Hurricanes came to life to stave off FSU’s upset bid.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Hillmon, Dream guard Jordin Canada and wing Rhyne Howard hit a layup, a jumper and free throws to stave off the Valkyries’ attack.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of stave off

Verb

Spurs beat off competition from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Fernandes, while Manchester City were interested in Tonali.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of beat off

Browse Nearby Words

turn away

turn back

turncoat

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“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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