as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Recent Examples of turn back
More than three decades ago, the U.S. Supreme Court turned back a challenge to the constitutionality of executing people who might not have committed the crime for which they were sentenced to death.
—
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 12 May 2025
To demand that every new formulation be tested against an inert placebo would mean turning back the clock to reproduce trials that may have taken place decades ago, but resulted in the licensing of the original vaccine after safety and efficacy were established.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Goldberg, in response, slowly turned back to face the camera with a sheepish look on her face.
—Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 5 May 2025
Vatican's 'May Madness': Will new pope be progressive or will church turn back the clock?
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 12 May 2025
To demand that every new formulation be tested against an inert placebo would mean turning back the clock to reproduce trials that may have taken place decades ago, but resulted in the licensing of the original vaccine after safety and efficacy were established.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Goldberg, in response, slowly turned back to face the camera with a sheepish look on her face.
—Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 5 May 2025
Vatican's 'May Madness': Will new pope be progressive or will church turn back the clock?
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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There are a few factors driving that interest; Greenland occupies a unique geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe, which could help repel any potential attack from Russia, experts have said.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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The lenses are scratch-resistant and treated to repel water, dirt, and oil.—
Lauren Wingenroth,
SELF,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The six others are reportedly facing charges of disorderly conduct, and one of them is also charged with resisting arrest, per My Central Jersey.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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In total, 42 people were arrested on charges including animal fighting and resisting arrest without violence.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Her dark and wind-whipped figure turned away, facing into the distance, toward the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains.—
Patricia Lockwood,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
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Moreover, once- promising foreign markets, such as China, have turned away from U.S. media conglomerates in favor of putting more of their resources into developing their local pipeline of films and series.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Verb
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The obvious solution—getting a proper job—is, for Jack, a non-starter: conventional work repulses him.—
Peter C. Baker,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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Image In the novel, Pabst starts off physically repulsed by the mere idea of working for the Reich, but gradually comes around.—
David Segal,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This was one for those who had suffered the most difficult days in the club’s history — two administrations, defeats in two previous cup finals, desperately staving off relegation from the second tier on the final day when going down would have put the club’s future in grave peril.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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Two of his listeners draped large towels over their heads to stave off the elements.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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