as in to repel
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Recent Examples of turn back
It's been exciting to watch IU's Cinderella season, but even Cinderella's coach turned back into a pumpkin.
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Justin L. MacK, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
On Wednesday, as police announced that the school had been turned back over to Abundant Life, the victims in the shooting were identified by authorities as well.
—John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Each year, Ruf turns back the clock, rolling out a uniquely diverse touring blues caravan, with Fish and Ryder joining Canned Heat, Bernard Allison and Ghalia Volt for this year’s installment.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Canadian authorities turned back about 1,000 people trying to cross into Canada between formal crossings in the 12 months ending in October, according to data obtained by Reuters, compared to more than 23,000 apprehended on the U.S. side by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
—Anna Mehler Paperny, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turn back 
Justin L. MacK, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
On Wednesday, as police announced that the school had been turned back over to Abundant Life, the victims in the shooting were identified by authorities as well.
—John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Each year, Ruf turns back the clock, rolling out a uniquely diverse touring blues caravan, with Fish and Ryder joining Canned Heat, Bernard Allison and Ghalia Volt for this year’s installment.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Canadian authorities turned back about 1,000 people trying to cross into Canada between formal crossings in the 12 months ending in October, according to data obtained by Reuters, compared to more than 23,000 apprehended on the U.S. side by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
—Anna Mehler Paperny, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for turn back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn back
Verb
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Invading enemy troops were repelled once Ukrainian forces began fighting back.Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
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Similarly, in 1990, the United States made no serious effort to deter Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait but then took up arms to repel the attack after the fact.Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While a majority were charged with nonviolent misdemeanor crimes, some were accused of conspiring to use force to resist the peaceful transfer of power.Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025
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Of those, 608 have been charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder.Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Just as her head was turning away from any future on the NFL field, heartbreak urged her to reassess.Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
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Eizenstat shared the tale of Shirley Vasquez and her children with Carter who requested that his driver turn away from the airport and head to the Bronx.Cary Goodman, New York Daily News, 5 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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After wasting a double-digit lead the night before against the Kings, the Heat staved off the Warriors’ second-half comeback attempt on Tuesday.Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
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Boeing raised billions this fall to stave off the crisis.Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 5 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 18 Jan. 2025.
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