TURN AWAY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turn away

verb

Definition of turn away

as in to repel

to drive back using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid

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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 turn away The face of one subject is somewhat obscured, turned away from the camera. — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026 Turner turned away six shots on goal for the Revolution for his sixth clean sheet in 30 starts this season. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Many of the nation’s most elite institutions have recently turned away from test-blind or test-optional admission policies. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Her two male friends were turned away at the door, leaving Lara and her two female friends to enter without them. — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn away

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn away

Verb

Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in and around polling places unless force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
The patent-pending fabric technology delivers the comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to the high-pile fleece.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

The fall 2026 collection from Taller Marmo turned back the clock with its designs, creating dresses and gowns inspired by film noir, Old Hollywood glamour and 1920s evening wear, a fit for her club-crooner aesthetic.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
The clocks haven’t turned back yet, but the mood shift is already underway.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

Spurs beat off competition from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Fernandes, while Manchester City were interested in Tonali.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Happiness beat off competition from second place The Flaws, an absurdist comedy for ZDF that won the official competition at the same fest.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 June 2026

Definition of beat off

Verb

Atlanta will now try to stave off elimination at home Thursday in Game 6 and force a deciding Game 7 back at Chase Center on Saturday.

— Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Kalen DeBoer's program staved off its first three-game losing streak since 2007, Nick Saban's first season as coach.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stave off

Browse Nearby Words

turnarounds

turn away

turn back

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Style

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20away. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn away

verb

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