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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The front element features a fluorine coating to help repel dust and dirt, although that front element does feel vulnerable to damage.—
James Abbott,
Space.com,
23 May 2025
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Speaking with Russian state-run news agency Interfax, Ushakov said Putin shared details about Ukrainian attacks that Russia claims to have repelled ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. Newsweek has contacted Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment by email.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Henry’s story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating.—
Greg Edwards,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Verb
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How can anyone turn away from the plight of a starving child?—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
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Taking time for yourself isn’t turning away but refueling for what lies ahead.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 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 3 Jun. 2025.
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