turning (on) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of turning (on)next
present participle of turn (on)
as in attacking
to take sudden, violent action against it is dangerous to keep tigers as house pets, as they often turn on their masters without warning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turning on

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of turn on
1
as in thrilling
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings unsurprisingly, the fanboys were turned on by the movie's amazing special effects and slam-bang plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in triggering
to cause to function would you turn on the TV?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 turning (on)
Verb
Bowed July 10, it is directed by Arima León, turning on their encounter and their correspondence afterwards. — John Hopewell, Variety, 27 July 2026 In 2024, a Colorado family’s home security camera captured another dog accidentally turning on a stovetop after jumping up to investigate boxes left on the range. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 Neighbors rescue two dogs from burning home Fire officials said Bo was the dog seen on video inadvertently turning on the toaster. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 July 2026 The Gold Cloaks end up turning on Team Green, allowing Rhaenyra to take the Iron Throne. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Letting the temperature rise slightly during the day means the system isn't turning on and off rapidly all afternoon. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 Sokolowski also recommends wearing rubber or nitrile gloves to prevent skin irritation, and opening windows or turning on a kitchen exhaust fan before, during, and for a bit after cleaning. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026 Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 Her stomach was already turning on her. — Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turning (on)
  1. attacking
  2. thrilling
  3. triggering
  4. assaulting
  5. exciting
  6. activating
  7. raiding
  8. electrifying
Verb
  • Okot applied that advice by limiting unnecessary dribbles and attacking the basket more efficiently.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Zizou helped lead his national team to its first-ever World Cup trophy, with the attacking midfielder scoring two goals in the 1998 final.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of attacking
Verb
  • The inaugural collection exhibition follows a long, meandering, periodically thrilling itinerary of spectacle.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
  • But Seattle reliever Andrés Muñoz survived, putting an end to the thrilling opener of this three-game series.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Other team-period notes With the second team in the same period, running back Brashard Smith caught a quick pass from Justin Fields and juked a defender, triggering a collective gasp from the crowd.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • As the compressed sides bulge outward under load, the tower’s structural strength drops sharply, frequently triggering sudden buckling or catastrophic collapse.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Definition of triggering
Verb
  • The former Charlotte bus driver, who just unsuccessfully ran for a Mecklenburg County Commission at-large seat, faces charges of assaulting a federal agent while on federal property.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Cameras are located inside the room, and investigators obtained a search warrant to try and get video evidence of Riley allegedly assaulting the children.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of assaulting
Verb
  • Major Wilson, 17, has been around horses most of his life and now spends much of his time helping younger riders get ready, showing them how to saddle their horses without exciting them.
    — Jhair Romero, Houston Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026
  • For Harrington and her husband Dante, the thought of triplets was shocking but exciting all the same.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of exciting
Verb
  • The Royals considered activating Witt on Friday before their game at the Colorado Rockies.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In the Character Wheel, the eleven dimensions are integrated, each activating and restraining the others.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of activating
Verb
  • New York State officials seized and killed P’Nut, the internet-famous squirrel, and Fred the raccoon after raiding a private home.
    — Vanessa Shakib, Oc Register, 23 July 2026
  • These are not jam band casualties raiding Home Depot for chemicals.
    — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026
Definition of raiding
Verb
  • The Three Lions held Argentina off the scoresheet for 85 minutes, but Lionel Messi sparked another electrifying come-from-behind win.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
  • The 2026 World Cup began with South Korea's electrifying victory over the Czech Republic.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of electrifying

Browse Nearby Words

turning off
turning (on)
turning on
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Cite this Entry

“Turning (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turning%20%28on%29. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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