TURN BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turn back

verb

Definition of turn back

as in to repel

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

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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 back And with Georgia looming on Halloween, the Gators could just as easily turn back into pumpkins. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 Tide turns back to franchises Then the tide started turning back toward familiar waters. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 The two giggled momentarily before Quiñonez turned back and answered candidly. — Jake McCreven, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 Tight end Travis Kelce looks like he’s turned back the clock for Kansas City, which is running the ball well. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

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

He got stuffed by double-team blocks and turned away by larger Toronto wings, who manhandled the slighter forward in his attempts to create downhill momentum.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Cook, meanwhile, turned away from electronics toward acoustic instruments, taking inspiration from Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and the Incredible String Band.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

turn away

turn back

turncoat

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

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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