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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Shortages and higher prices are already leading some countries to turn back from oil to coal and explore nuclear electricity generation. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 One is watching the threshers, but the other turns back, facing the camera. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 And in Washington, some are building a long-shot plan to turn back the clock. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 Williams is among those still waiting for the lights to turn back on. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back

Verb

Reseeding helps block weed growth, repel lawn diseases, slow soil erosion, and strengthen growth in bare patches.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
As mentioned above, Turkey’s deployment of TB2s in the country’s civil war in 2020 proved decisive, with these drones helping break the LNA’s siege on Tripoli and empowering GNA ground forces to repel Haftar’s fighters.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

Sprague told the jury that Clancy was never turned away from mental health care, but that in fact Clancy refused help.

— Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
This summer, Whatley’s campaign barred journalists from mainstream and left-leaning outlets from events, while Cooper’s campaign turned away staffers from two conservative outlets, but local coverage focused more heavily on Whatley.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Even the 2025 Tigers, the team that staved off a monumental late-season collapse, lives on as a fable highlighting the importance of playing the whole schedule.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Nonetheless, Friend said Nike was going to reduce sell-in to wholesale partners in the coming months to stave off future discounting.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of turn back

verb

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