turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns back
Synonyms of turn backnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to go in the reverse direction
b
: to stop going forward
2
: to refer to an earlier time or place

transitive verb

1
: to drive back or away
2
: to stop the advance of
3
: to fold back
4

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, went from a high of $112 overnight to below $107 in the morning before turning back higher. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, went from a high of $112 overnight to as low as $107 during the morning before turning back higher. ABC News, 17 May 2026 Earlier Thursday afternoon, the plane departed Akron Fulton Regional Airport — just a few miles from the crash site — before the pilot turned back and canceled the landing for unknown reasons, WEWS reported. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Once the response is ready to be displayed, the numeric tokens are turned back into words. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

turn back

verb
1
: to go in the reverse direction : return
turned back for home
2
: to stop the advance of : check
turned back the enemy
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