turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns back
Synonyms of turn backnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to go in the reverse direction
b
: to stop going forward
2
: to refer to an earlier time or place

transitive verb

1
: to drive back or away
2
: to stop the advance of
3
: to fold back
4
: give back, return
see also:
turn back the clock

Synonyms of turn back

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Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The 42-year-old turned back the clock Sunday, with 10 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 At 47, there is room for this stock to turn back up without fighting an overbought reading. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Tropical Storm Dolly may have turned back into just a tropical wave on Friday, but the National Hurricane Center is now giving it as well as a new system in the Gulf a chance to develop. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026 The opening holes may not immediately reveal what awaits, but that changes quickly as the course turns back on itself and descends into a stunning, secluded valley that eventually opens toward the coastline. — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Rhymes for turn back

See All Rhymes for turn back

Browse Nearby Words

turn away
turn back
turn back the clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turn back

verb
1
: to go in the reverse direction : return
turned back for home
2
: to stop the advance of : check
turned back the enemy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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