TURNING BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turning back

verb

present participle of turn back

as in turning away

to drive back a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire

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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 turning back Congress has grappled with turning back the clocks many times. — Yonat Shimron, NPR, 16 July 2026 There will be no turning back the clock if the House has its way. — Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026 And when his name was very publicly mentioned in the trade talks that eventually sent Giannis Antetokounmpo, there was no turning back. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Beyond markets, investors are also watching geopolitical risks, with attention turning back to the Middle East. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 24 June 2026 The three governments have turned to Russia as a major security ally after turning back from Western allies. — Wilson McMakin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 With an eye on climate goals, countries are turning back to nuclear energy to meet their energy demands without releasing carbon into the atmosphere. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 For two nights, Mister A’s is turning back the clock to the mid-1960s for a special prix-fixe meal. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026 Which had Riley then turning back to the East. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning back

Verb

Many political scientists attribute the narrowing of the gender gap in religiosity to more young women turning away from religion rather than more young men turning toward it.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 9 July 2026
The ball in the net, the goalkeeper reacting, fans erupting in the background, and Messi already turning away with his arms raised.

— Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of turning away

Verb

Homegrown catnip oil lotion is just as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to a new study in Uganda.

— Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
My own team’s research has shown that mycorrhizal fungi can alter chemicals released by plants in ways that are useful for repelling insects while attracting pollinators and insects’ natural enemies.

— Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of repelling

Verb

In sportier modes, each wheel can counteract handling forces with up to 2,250 pounds of resisting force.

— Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
It will be used to hold detainees facing charges for violating city ordinances — such as trespassing, theft, car break-ins, resisting arrest, assault and other offenses.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of resisting

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turning away

turning back

turning color

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“Turning back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20back. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of turning back

verb

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