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.
—
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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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
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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
Verb
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But the school board urged the Supreme Court to turn away the case.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
17 Jan. 2025
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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
Verb
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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
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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
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 22 Jan. 2025.
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