as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
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The suspects were charged with assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage and disorderly behavior in a police station.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Washington — The Supreme Court on Monday turned away Judge Pauline Newman's bid to return to service on a federal appeals court after she was suspended from hearing cases due to concerns about her fitness to serve.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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Raul Jiminez came close to a goal for the second time, this time on a cross into the box, but he was once again turned away by a diving Ronwen Williams, who pushed the ball aside.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 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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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
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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
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 19 Jun. 2026.
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