Synonyms of turning (on)

turning (on) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of turn (on)

as in attacking

to take sudden, violent action against

it is dangerous to keep tigers as house pets, as they often turn on their masters without warning

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attacking
• assaulting
• raiding
• descending (on or upon)
• going in (on)
• jumping (on)
• setting on
• flying at
• setting at
• storming
• going at
• pouncing (on or upon)
• setting upon
• striking
• tearing into
• pitching into
• beating up on
• rounding on
• robbing
• charging
• ambushing
• lighting into
• rushing
• ganging up (on)
• invading
• assailing
• swarming
• besetting
• bushwhacking
• siccing
• trashing
• banging away (at)
• surprising
• mobbing
• flanking
• sacking
• bombing
• besieging
• ambuscading
• waylaying
• mugging
• blitzing
• bombarding
• plundering
• battering
• nuking
• ravaging
• cannonading
• looting
• buffeting
• barraging
• bum-rushing
• plastering
• pillaging
• enveloping
• cannoning
• harrying
• beleaguering
• pressing
• overrunning
• foraying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• covering
• protecting
• securing
• defending
• guarding
• shielding

turning on

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of turn on

1

as in thrilling

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings

unsurprisingly, the fanboys were turned on by the movie's amazing special effects and slam-bang plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thrilling
• exciting
• electrifying
• pumping up
• intoxicating
• delighting
• galvanizing
• intriguing
• inspiring
• titillating
• exhilarating
• enchanting
• charging
• provoking
• arousing
• stimulating
• riveting
• inciting
• interesting
• charming
• captivating
• mesmerizing
• bewitching
• tantalizing
• spellbinding
• hypnotizing
• enthralling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• boring
• tiring
• wearying
• palling
• discouraging
• jading
• disheartening
• demoralizing
• dispiriting
• dejecting

2

as in triggering

to cause to function

would you turn on the TV?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• triggering
• activating
• sparking
• driving
• setting off
• touching off
• cranking (up)
• moving
• powering
• generating
• starting
• fueling
• actuating
• turning over
• igniting
• running
• provoking
• pushing
• charging
• kicking over
• firing
• stirring up
• stepping up
• electrifying
• launching
• speeding (up)
• switching
• releasing
• energizing
• stimulating
• discharging
• exciting
• tripping
• recharging
• reactivating
• accelerating
• arousing
• inciting
• vitalizing
• quickening
• instigating
• catalyzing
• jump-starting
• kick-starting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cutting out
• shutting off
• turning off
• cutting
• killing
• cutting off
• drawing up
• checking
• stopping
• sticking
• braking
• arresting
• halting
• stalling
• jamming
• deactivating
• slowing
• suppressing
• repressing
• decelerating
• stunting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of turning (on)

Verb

Brill spent the first stretch of the pandemic in Hell’s Kitchen, getting over both COVID and a breakup, occasionally turning on Fauci’s briefings. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Virginia, your story uses dark humor to manipulate readers into sympathizing with Winifred before turning on them. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

One possible hypothesis comes in the prologue, set on June 9, 1956, turning on Police Commissioner Folcada, which suggests the terrible impunity of power. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

But there’s nothing better than a little kid opening his gift and then turning on the TV watching the NBA games. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

In 2024, a Colorado family’s home security camera captured another dog accidentally turning on a stovetop after jumping up to investigate boxes left on the range. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Neighbors rescue two dogs from burning home Fire officials said Bo was the dog seen on video inadvertently turning on the toaster. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 July 2026

The Gold Cloaks end up turning on Team Green, allowing Rhaenyra to take the Iron Throne. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Letting the temperature rise slightly during the day means the system isn't turning on and off rapidly all afternoon. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2026