turn (on) 1 of 3

verb (1)

Definition of turn (on)next
as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against it is dangerous to keep tigers as house pets, as they often turn on their masters without warning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turn-on

2 of 3

noun

as in lure
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain knew the offer of free pizza would be a major turn-on to the pair of teenagers she had just asked to help her move

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turn on

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to thrill
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings unsurprisingly, the fanboys were turned on by the movie's amazing special effects and slam-bang plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to trigger
to cause to function would you turn on the TV?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn (on)
  1. attack
  2. lure
  3. thrill
  4. trigger
  5. assault
  6. temptation
  7. excite
  8. activate
Verb
  • Another warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries was also attacked to the east of Moscow, Vorobyov said, with a fire breaking out at the facility.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Crossing threat Undoubtedly, Coventry’s best attacking moments come from wide positions.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • The Caribbean is a region almost purpose-built for cruising—closely set islands that offer immense diversity in culture and history, each with their own siren lure.
    — Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The city’s 3-to-1 imbalance of jobs to housing is one of the biggest in the country and a lure for builders, said apartment developer Chris Tourtellotte.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lure
Verb
  • In speaking with folks who live here, they are thrilled the city is now getting involved but are hesitant to claim any kind of victory just yet.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Villa sources were thrilled for a teenager who had become a hugely popular figure around the club and seemingly now among supporters.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • In 2024, Kim divorced her husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk, triggering a fight for control of the company.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The protests first began in April, triggered by the death of former Chinese Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang at the age of 73.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • Police say the victim courageously fought for her life and escaped to the breezeway of the apartment, screaming for help as Reyes continued to assault her.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to the federal investigations, Mills has been accused of misrepresenting his military record, engaging in unethical business dealings, assaulting a girlfriend and stalking an ex-girlfriend.
    — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Crucially, fostering trust involves delivering candid feedback with care, avoiding the temptation to soften hard truths for peace.
    — Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For road trips, having favorite snacks and drinks on hand is key to avoiding temptation, Thomas says.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of temptation
Verb
  • Newcomer Bazoumana Toure has also excited with his pace and crossing ability, so may force his way in on the left.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ask what excites them, share your vision, and choose one clear next step together.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Compliant Technologies says the devices function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The attacker on the other side of the keyboard would likely be able to activate the mechanisms in the credential management app to log in to a site or download all the passwords.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of activate
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.

Browse Nearby Words

turnoffs
turn (on)
turn-on
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Cite this Entry

“Turn (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20%28on%29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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