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 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 Crews are still working to clean up the damage left behind, repairing the pole and getting lights turned back on. — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

Verb

During wetter years, trees are healthier and can more easily repel the beetle with sap.

— Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

Gibson was convicted of unlawful gun possession and misdemeanor resisting arrest for not exiting the elevator, but the jury acquitted him of felony resisting arrest.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
However, experts on military law said Hasan could choose to resist execution and file a habeas petition in civilian court, which could significantly delay the execution.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Online video shows Prescott looking back at the man — who was there as a transportation service driver — while still walking, then turning away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Time will tell whether Gen Z keeps turning away from higher education, but the truth is that the traditionally-aged students who do enroll are also arriving with a wider range of needs than ever before.

— Ruth Bauer, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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