turns 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of turn
1
as in rotates
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis turned the doorknob as quietly as possible

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Relevance
2
3
as in deviates
to change one's course or direction we turned left at the light the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area

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4
5
6
7
as in depends
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) what we do next turns on your answer to the following question

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8
as in spins
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around all the new information made his head turn

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9
as in convinces
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife

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turns

2 of 2

noun

plural of turn
1
2
3
4
5
as in bouts
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication

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6
as in acts
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe

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Example Sentences

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 turns
Verb
The Sound Of Music turns 60 this year – and Disney has happily opted to celebrate the occasion by remastering the film in 4K resolution and high dynamic range for a worldwide re-release at the cinema and on 4K Blu-ray disc. John Archer, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 However, a third gang member shows up, and Peaches (as well as the couple) are shot to death in a burglary that quickly turns into a homicidal scene with multiple bodies. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025 The Marswalker then shuts its front flap to secure the robot vacuum inside, turns, and drives up or down a nearby staircase, before opening the flap again so the S2 can go about cleaning on a different floor. Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 The Cubs drafted Wiggins, who turns 24 next month, in the second round in 2023 out of the University of Arkansas. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 El Moro turns typical tavern fare on its head, with eats like rainbow trout, pork sugo, and duck confit biscuits and gravy on offer. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 Continue heating until butter turns a delicate light brown, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025 And the film turns into a deftly layered and at moments nearly philosophical head-spinner. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Now the attention turns toward preparing for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings next Monday at Soldier Field. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
Recent history is full of examples of people who won big jackpots only to see their lives take nightmarish turns. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 The ensemble includes memorable turns from Katy O’Brian as Christy’s friend and formal rival, Lisa Holewyne and Merritt Wever as Christy’s cold mother. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 Alas, the mystery woman from the wedding in turns get the jump on Tony! Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025 Both tender and unflinching, Christy is a celebration of persistence, humor, and humanity in the face of unexpected turns. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 As a documentary subject, Hersh is thoroughly engaging — by turns charming, surly and vulnerable. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025 Where others shrink from its narrow turns, devilishly abrasive surface and punishing length, Gordon embraced Darlington. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025 As of this frame, Parton’s compilation has spent 81 turns at the summit. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The announcement is made, but the situation could still take a number of different turns by Saturday's first pitch between the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turns
Verb
  • The United States holds the G20’s presidency in 2026 — a position that rotates among the 19 countries and the European Union, which make up the group.
    Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In contrast, the team’s innovative solution rotates the printing platform, allowing powder to be deposited and fused continuously.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Toward the end of autumn, Paul McCartney swings through the United Center for a pair of dates on his Got Back Tour.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • One lucky executive will soon take charge of the grandest park of them all when Disneyland swings open its doors on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The Act’s control over owners and clubs also deviates substantially from American practices and is chilling to investment.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If the other person hears this explanation and still becomes hostile, Skinner recommends removing yourself from the exchange altogether and seeking out a flight attendant.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sorrentino’s script cleverly ponders the difference between the truth absorbed up close and the law, which is viewed from a distance.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
  • This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The severity of a sprain depends on how much of a ligament is torn.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Seeing rings depends on the angle of their orbit, which can miss the star completely.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The small-batch ice cream shop spins up scoops inspired by classic Filipino flavors, including as Ube Cookies & Cream, Jackfruit Chili Nut, and Keso Guava Cheesecake.
    Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Dullness is a general problem in Sacrifice, which spins its wheels in its middle stretch, killing time before its fiery finale.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The indie follows Christie, a timid 30-something who, after an unexpected positive pregnancy test, convinces her free-spirited best friend Ally (Ruffin) to help her track down her birth mother.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Turns out, the possibility of the pirate using the Foundation’s whisper-ships is what finally convinces them to start listening.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Turns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turns. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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