as in to repel
to drive back
using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 away
Sofia Vergara and Mel B turned away from the stage, while Simon Cowell compared it to the 1990 movie that includes physical torture.
—
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Robert Malloy, of Hobart, turned away at the locked door and headed back to his car.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Omar Artar, making history as Somalia’s first World Cup referee, was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
Rockmont opened a retail outlet after the three Weils, eating lunch across from their headquarters, noticed the number of would-be buyers who were turned away because the company didn’t sell direct to the public.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn away
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Robert Malloy, of Hobart, turned away at the locked door and headed back to his car.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Omar Artar, making history as Somalia’s first World Cup referee, was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
Rockmont opened a retail outlet after the three Weils, eating lunch across from their headquarters, noticed the number of would-be buyers who were turned away because the company didn’t sell direct to the public.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn away
Verb
-
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
-
That kind of energy, unfortunately, can repel someone.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
With the team missing significant pieces, Goldschmidt has managed to turn back the clock for a lineup that has otherwise gotten greener with each new injury.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
-
Middle Eastern oil wells were largely shut off during the war and could take weeks to ramp up production when turned back on.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
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
Verb
-
Some factors — that crime has hit historic lows as Tisch has headed the department and Mamdani’s relative lack of action in the police department — have staved off criticism from moderates.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
-
The White Sox pitching staff — which essentially employed a bullpen day — was able to stave off the Dodgers’ bats the rest of the way.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20away. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
