as in turning away
to drive back
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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Recent Examples of turning back
The back caught just two of his six targets, earned Nix’s slight ire after not turning back for the ball on a third down, and was relegated mostly to the bench in the second half.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
And, George, turning back to Chicago.
—ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Chapman is in the midst of a career season at age 37, turning back the clock to re-establish himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The emphasis is less on turning back the clock than on maintaining skin health over time.
—Carol Rh Malasig, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
And perhaps that contact ends up turning back into power.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
And, George, turning back to Chicago.
—ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Chapman is in the midst of a career season at age 37, turning back the clock to re-establish himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The emphasis is less on turning back the clock than on maintaining skin health over time.
—Carol Rh Malasig, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
And perhaps that contact ends up turning back into power.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning back
Verb
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And did a focus on militant Islamism mean turning away from threats posed by white supremacist groups?—
September 11,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
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Poison for one’s brand, such corporate drivel undermines trust in you and your company, turning away prospects.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Don’t forget to stock up on these mosquito-repelling bracelets before your next camping trip or tropical-climate adventure.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Your LinkedIn profile transformation starts now Your profile is either attracting dream clients or repelling them.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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She has been charged with child endangerment, resisting arrest, false identification to law enforcement and obstructing an officer among other charges, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
17 Sep. 2025
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This data undercuts the common fear that resisting an activist will lead to wholesale turnover of the board.—
Kai Liekefett,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turning back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20back. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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