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
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
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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Other bands, such as Arcade Fire and the Postal Service, were turning away from the disaffection that characterized Gen X rock to express bighearted feelings in bespoke ways.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
29 Aug. 2025
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And Hurricane Erin is turning away from the United States – but still bringing harsh waves to the East Coast.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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