as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of turn back
The pair quickly dashed outside in the snow before pausing and turning back when seeing the whiteout weather.
—
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
In 2024, both Finland and Poland passed legislation that allows border officials to turn back asylum seekers at their land borders.
—Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
It's been a roller coaster for Rodgers, who has looked like a 41-year-old quarterback coming off a serious injury but has shown flashes of turning back the clock.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025
Crockett, illuminated like an angel by the headlights of oncoming cars, turned back and waved goodbye.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turn back 
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
In 2024, both Finland and Poland passed legislation that allows border officials to turn back asylum seekers at their land borders.
—Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
It's been a roller coaster for Rodgers, who has looked like a 41-year-old quarterback coming off a serious injury but has shown flashes of turning back the clock.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025
Crockett, illuminated like an angel by the headlights of oncoming cars, turned back and waved goodbye.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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Numerous attempts to break to new heights were repelled, pushing the price back to previous support levels.—
David Keller,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2025
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He is dressed in a pilgrim’s fur overcoat to repel rain and retain warmth.—
Virginia Raguin,
The Conversation,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This Mount Royal Avenue cultural institution resists change (its historic interior was last updated in 1982) and yet bends successfully.—
Jacques Kelly,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Complete with two carry-ons and two checkable bags, each suitcase is outfitted in 100 percent ABS, hardwearing material that resists scratches and dents.—
Alyssa Brascia,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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My press pass, however, can’t get her into the restricted zone, even for press photos, so we’re turned away.—
Francine Kiefer,
The Christian Science Monitor,
17 Jan. 2025
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But the school board urged the Supreme Court to turn away the case.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Today, Ukrainian troops repulsed yet another attack by the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade around Pogrebki, the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies reported.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
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Challenged and Denounced Millions were repulsed by Mr. Le Pen’s statements.—
Robert D. McFadden,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In a rush to stave off the ban, TikTok and a group of creators quickly filed lawsuits against the Justice Department, arguing that the law, the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, violates their First Amendment rights.—
Makena Kelly,
WIRED,
17 Jan. 2025
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While the club are fighting to stave off relegation, his contract should also be constructed to protect the club’s future.—
Elias Burke,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near turn back
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20back. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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