TURNS BACK Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

turns back

verb

present tense third-person singular of turn back

as in turns away

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 turns back Those talks have since stalled as Tehran focuses on negotiating the future of the Strait of Hormuz and Washington turns back to diplomacy. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 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 One is watching the threshers, but the other turns back, facing the camera. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Like so many in Gary, Indiana, Shatiya Hardin has been waiting for the minute her power finally turns back on. — Ash-Har Quraishi, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 Then, the pressure is released so that DME turns back into a gas, leaving the water in the tank. — Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026 An exhibit celebrating the Metro’s rail system turns back time with its vintage 1970s railcar. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 Kara talks her out of it, and when Ruthye walks away, Kara turns back to Krem and stabs him multiple times with a sword. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026 Dalot turns back inside, and then immediately looks to play over the high press. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turns back

Verb

The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Definition of turns away

Verb

The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
This natural pest control spray keeps roaches, stink bugs, spiders, ants, centipedes, crickets, and tons of other bugs away thanks to its strong scent that repels them without harsh chemicals.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of repels

Browse Nearby Words

turns away

turns back

turns color

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Turns back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turns%20back. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of turns back

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes