as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of turn back
The jet rose to 34,000 feet and flew over Long Island and then turned back to the southwest, flying over Washington and into Virginia.
—
Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
So far, Williams has struggled to find success in the Bronx, but the Yankees might turn back to the Brewers to land another pitcher soon — this time for their starting rotation.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Obama turned back and grabbed Biden's arm, guiding him backstage.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Hendricks turned back the clock on the Padres after the first inning.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
So far, Williams has struggled to find success in the Bronx, but the Yankees might turn back to the Brewers to land another pitcher soon — this time for their starting rotation.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Obama turned back and grabbed Biden's arm, guiding him backstage.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Hendricks turned back the clock on the Padres after the first inning.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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The front element features a fluorine coating to help repel dust and dirt, although that front element does feel vulnerable to damage.—
James Abbott,
Space.com,
23 May 2025
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Speaking with Russian state-run news agency Interfax, Ushakov said Putin shared details about Ukrainian attacks that Russia claims to have repelled ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. Newsweek has contacted Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment by email.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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If craving ice cream, resist the urge to judge yourself before, during, or after eating it, Shabazz says.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Taking time for yourself isn’t turning away but refueling for what lies ahead.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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How can anyone turn away from the plight of a starving child?—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Verb
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But throughout the series, he became increasingly repulsed by these actions, which included enslaving thousands of women.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
27 May 2025
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With every cringe, with every critique of her family’s behavior, Piper has been telegraphing that those values repulse her.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Knicks were able to stave off elimination and elongate the series.—
Ryan Stano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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The debt limit was last suspended by Congress as part of a bipartisan bill struck between former President Biden and GOP leadership in 2023, staving off the threat of national default through early 2025.—
Aris Folley,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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