TURNS BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turns back

verb

present tense third-person singular of turn back

as in turns 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 turns back Then, the pressure is released so that DME turns back into a gas, leaving the water in the tank. — Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026 An exhibit celebrating the Metro’s rail system turns back time with its vintage 1970s railcar. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 Kara talks her out of it, and when Ruthye walks away, Kara turns back to Krem and stabs him multiple times with a sword. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026 Dalot turns back inside, and then immediately looks to play over the high press. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Clayton Valley bounces back to beat Campolindo, Sacred Heart Prep shuts out San Mateo again, Gunderson turns back Del Mar. — Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 1 May 2026 Woods turns back a surprising challenge Chris DiMarco with a 15-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to capture his fourth green jacket. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Hearing the Creature screaming his name, Victor turns back. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026 Their discussion then turns back to the potential of a romance—and heartbreak—between them. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turns back

Verb

The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Definition of turns away

Verb

Celery, thyme, marigold, and chamomile can help mask the smell of cabbage plants, while borage repels the moths.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 July 2026
While it's best known for triggering playful behavior in cats, researchers have long known the compound also repels insects.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of repels

Verb

Eve resists scream-queen clichés, but Gemma’s boringly typical tortured backstory is as flat as her wan chemistry with Nick.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Harbour resists the idea that the label was ever a cage or a hurdle to his progress as an artist.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of resists

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turns away

turns back

turns color

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“Turns back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turns%20back. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of turns back

verb

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