as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of turn back
Their discussion then turns back to the potential of a romance—and heartbreak—between them.
—
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
William Johnston, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, previously told USA TODAY that abstaining from eating meat is also a form of penance – admitting to any wrongdoings and sins while turning back to belief in God.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Vietnam turned back the Chinese over the course of nine days.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 17 Feb. 2026
During that isolation my body turned back to the prison.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
William Johnston, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, previously told USA TODAY that abstaining from eating meat is also a form of penance – admitting to any wrongdoings and sins while turning back to belief in God.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Vietnam turned back the Chinese over the course of nine days.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 17 Feb. 2026
During that isolation my body turned back to the prison.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops Although your granite may be properly sealed, a sealant is designed to repel stains rather than completely prevent them.—
Caitlin Sole,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2026
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Eason recommends spraying water mixed with essential oils to repel bed bugs.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Alfredo Muñoz has multiple prior arrests for burglary, assault, vehicle theft and weapons and drug offenses as well as resisting arrest, according to court records.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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The Clintons initially strongly resisted the subpoenas from the committee and vowed to mount a legal fight if necessary.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Saint Kitts is among several Caribbean nations that have agreed to accept asylum seekers turned away from the United States.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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James Pantemis finished with three saves in goal for the Timbers and Patrick Schulte turned away three shots for the Crew.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
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And Republicans are among those repulsed by the ongoing scandals.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Khamenei staved off that adjustment for nearly four decades through force of will, brutality, and the conviction that bending would mean breaking.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
28 Feb. 2026
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Horror-movie series thrive on familiarity, tweaked just enough to stave off contempt but similar enough to push the same thrill-seeking buttons.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Liverpool had to beat off competition from Manchester City before Abe signed for their under-nines.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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