TURN ON Synonyms: 199 Similar and Opposite Words

turn (on) 1 of 3

verb (1)

Definition of turn (on)

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)

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

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)

Verb

Egypt's president sought to reassure the public that the country wouldn't attack Yemen, and that the military support is limited to defending Saudi territory.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Back in 2023, Stevens revealed he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome—a rare auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves—and was working to relearn how to walk and use his hands.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

Hoyer shockingly stole Counsell from the Brewers three years ago with the lure of the biggest managerial contract ever, believing Counsell’s obvious skills and brains would help strengthen the Cubs and weaken the Brewers.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The presence of Greek life on campus, with its stately houses, exuberant social events and starring role in American pop culture, can also be a lure for students, the lifeblood of academia.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

Rath had said he would be thrilled if 30% of Albertans voted to begin the separation process.

— Rob Gillies, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Welcome back to the Times of Troy newsletter, where I am thrilled to be writing to you today after a harrowing couple of weeks at the Kartje household.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of thrill

Verb

This week, Indonesian equities experienced another round of panic selling, triggered by reports that major index provider MSCI is considering downgrading the country's stock market status.

— , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
For some people, those changes are significant enough to trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression with a recurring seasonal pattern.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Becerril had been assaulted before his body was placed in the trunk, according to the CHP.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The women, who don't know each other, allege they were assaulted by Brand between 1999 and 2009 in locations including workplaces, a hotel room and a bathroom at a bar.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

Additional trips to the store aren’t the primary issue, but the constant temptation of these deals could lead to more impulse purchases — which could strain your finances during and after the holidays.

— Ryley Amond, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Rather than doing a literal adaptation, the creators kept the book’s DNA and tweaked the ideas of evil, temptation and power with a contemporary twist.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of temptation

Verb

Tonight’s Venus cazimi could clarify which connections or future plans still genuinely excite you.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
The neighborhood Saúl Canal, the hotel’s general manager, has arrived at Serras Sevilla excited not only to manage the property but also to introduce the city to his guests.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of excite

Verb

Two letters redirect actions MuTRAP is a backdoor attack, also known as a Trojan attack, in which malicious behavior is embedded in a model and activated only when a specific trigger appears.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Ukraine received no warning from its partners ahead of the first wave of attacks, and information about a second wave arrived too late for air raid sirens to be activated in time, air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television.

— SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of turn (on)

verb (1)

noun

verb (2)

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes