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
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
Adams fell toward goalkeeper and New Jersey native Matt Turner, who was filming the moment, and landed on his left leg before turning back to continue his celebration by climbing back over the couch and then back off it again, his foot again perilously sliding through that space.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 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
Surveillance video of the same moment from a different angle appears to show Toledo with his right arm behind the fence, possibly making a throwing motion, and then turning back toward the officer.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Piedra then stabbed Clemson Cockfield in the head and neck before turning back to continue attacking the man’s wife.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 May 2026
Now, things are turning back around in Charlotte, a city where diners always seem to be looking for what’s fresh and new.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
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
Adams fell toward goalkeeper and New Jersey native Matt Turner, who was filming the moment, and landed on his left leg before turning back to continue his celebration by climbing back over the couch and then back off it again, his foot again perilously sliding through that space.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 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
Surveillance video of the same moment from a different angle appears to show Toledo with his right arm behind the fence, possibly making a throwing motion, and then turning back toward the officer.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Piedra then stabbed Clemson Cockfield in the head and neck before turning back to continue attacking the man’s wife.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 May 2026
Now, things are turning back around in Charlotte, a city where diners always seem to be looking for what’s fresh and new.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning back
Verb
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Fracturing politics So far, Britain’s increasingly fractured political landscape has benefited Reform UK, as people have felt increasingly confident turning away from the country’s two major parties – Labour and the Conservatives.—
Katie Marie Davies,
Christian Science Monitor,
18 June 2026
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Officers doubled over coughing after turning away from the smoke.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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Lavender Thanks to its strong, aromatic scent, lavender is effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
13 June 2026
Verb
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While there are dismemberments and other bits of gruesome violence to be found in the film, Badlands is largely aimed at endearing its audience rather than repulsing them.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These stunning, resilient shrub roses are bred to thrive in heat and humidity, resisting related diseases.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 June 2026
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He was arrested for arson, resisting/delaying/obstructing firefighters, and parole hold.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Verb
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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
“Turning back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20back. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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