as in turning away
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Recent Examples of turning back
And, George, turning back to Chicago.
—
ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Chapman is in the midst of a career season at age 37, turning back the clock to re-establish himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The emphasis is less on turning back the clock than on maintaining skin health over time.
—Carol Rh Malasig, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
And perhaps that contact ends up turning back into power.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Chapman is in the midst of a career season at age 37, turning back the clock to re-establish himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The emphasis is less on turning back the clock than on maintaining skin health over time.
—Carol Rh Malasig, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
And perhaps that contact ends up turning back into power.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning back
Verb
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Poison for one’s brand, such corporate drivel undermines trust in you and your company, turning away prospects.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Our early evening view is gradually turning away from the direction of space occupied by Bootes.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this growing method, fruit trees are grown near particular companion plants that benefit fruit tree growth, such as pest-repelling flowers, soil-improving legumes, or weed-suppressing groundcovers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
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These posts filter your audience, attracting those who align with your values while repelling those who don't.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nash was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail on charges of murder, endangerment and resisting arrest, police said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday resisting any potential federal deployment.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turning back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20back. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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