turn away

Definition of turn awaynext
as in to repel
to drive back using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid

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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 away Witnesses reportedly told police that the 31-year-old rapper tried to enter White’s private event but started arguing with the footballer when he and his friends were turned away. David Matthews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 Soon after allegedly being turned away at the White House, Lake also bought a condo in her native Iowa, according to MS Now, perhaps to try her luck in politics there. The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 But these restrictions aren’t new, and even experts intimately familiar with GRFP don’t understand why NSF is currently turning away students. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026 McNeill said many private contractors get turned away from the supply when there is salt shortage. Paul Burton, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn away
Verb
  • The driver used bear spray to repel the suspect and drove away to a safe location, the Sheriff’s Office said.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This 2x4-foot area rug literally repels water, making liquid less likely to seep deeper into the material.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The actions continue the administration’s efforts to turn back the clock on the transition to cleaner energy and reverse efforts to address climate change.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The protesters stopped at a Kroger and held signs to cars passing by, then turned back around down Bailey Boswell Road and headed back to Boswell High.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Those who are traveling with a partner will appreciate the double vanities—or resist the old-fashioned clawfoot tub.
    Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The urge to lie down for a soak, even in winter, is hard to resist.
    Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.
    Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And Republicans are among those repulsed by the ongoing scandals.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The dogs had driven the woman into the surf before a tourist came to her rescue, beating off the dingoes.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • On this play, Tegra Tshabola got beat off the ball, forcing Donaldson to take a different hole before running into a defender who center Carson Hinzman was on until the hole shifted.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The ham sandwich rumor reportedly began as her manager Allan Carr’s attempt to stave off speculation that her death was linked to drug use.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Physical activity safeguards your heart, helps stave off metabolic disease, and improves your strength and stamina.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20away. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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