turn 1 of 6

1
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis turned the doorknob as quietly as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to swing
to change the course or direction of (something) the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around he turned his cart uphill

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we turned left at the light the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality will turn 12 in six months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
7
as in to depend
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) what we do next turns on your answer to the following question

Synonyms & Similar Words

8
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around all the new information made his head turn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

9
as in to persuade
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

turn

2 of 6

noun (1)

1
2
3
4
5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe

Synonyms & Similar Words

turn (on)

3 of 6

verb (2)

turn (to)

4 of 6

verb (3)

as in to go (to)
to use or seek out as a source of aid, relief, or advantage no need to turn to violence when we can talk things out peacefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

turn-on

5 of 6

noun (2)

turn on

6 of 6

verb (4)

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
Verb
Burke is a two-time mirrorball champion herself, following in the long line of former professional dancers turned temporary, one-night only judges. Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025 According to officials, Usiripalli then turned toward a second 17-year-old seated in 43E and allegedly lunged, stabbing him in the back of the head with the same fork. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
Last year, officials discussed the possibility of a pilot program to restrict left turns from Alton Road into the southern section of North Bay Road, from 21st to 27th streets, the part of the road that officials said is most commonly used as a cut-through. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025 Even House Speaker Mike Johnson, who otherwise has humored Trump at every turn, has expressed revulsion at the idea of a pardon. Robin Abcarian, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn

Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on turn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!