1
as in restoring
to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place
when I'm done reading a book, I always return it to the very shelf I got it from
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in yielding
to produce as revenue
this technology stock is expected to return a healthy profit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in responding
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction
when I asked him to sit down to dinner, he returned that he would come when he was good and ready
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in reverting
to go back to a previous and usually lower state or level
vowed to do anything to keep the recovering alcoholic from returning to his dissolute ways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of returning
Stepping outside your everyday life has a way of clarifying what actually matters, and returning home with fresh eyes often makes the decisions that felt tough seem far more manageable.
—
Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Alex Lyon made 15 saves and dropped to 6-1-1 since returning from the NHL's Olympic break.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The route, which travels from the Bicentennial Park and around Myriad Gardens before returning, is lined with volunteers ensuring the traffic does not disturb those traveling through.
—Alex Gladden, Oklahoman, 28 Mar. 2026
The Heat conclude their three-game trip Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, before returning for a three-game homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
All signs are pointing to Mikko Rantanen returning from injury in the Stars’ road game in Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
Neither approach resulted in a flock of birds returning.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies remain a safe bet to contend, returning much of last year’s NL East-winning club after bringing back Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Hot off January's announcement that the K-pop juggernauts are returning for a massive world tour later this year, the ARMY has just been gifted another treat.
—Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Alex Lyon made 15 saves and dropped to 6-1-1 since returning from the NHL's Olympic break.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The route, which travels from the Bicentennial Park and around Myriad Gardens before returning, is lined with volunteers ensuring the traffic does not disturb those traveling through.
—Alex Gladden, Oklahoman, 28 Mar. 2026
The Heat conclude their three-game trip Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, before returning for a three-game homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
All signs are pointing to Mikko Rantanen returning from injury in the Stars’ road game in Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
Neither approach resulted in a flock of birds returning.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies remain a safe bet to contend, returning much of last year’s NL East-winning club after bringing back Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Hot off January's announcement that the K-pop juggernauts are returning for a massive world tour later this year, the ARMY has just been gifted another treat.
—Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for returning
Verb
-
Missile stocks can be burned down quickly in a high-end campaign, and restoring them remains a significant industrial challenge.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Royals will work alongside Estévez to refine his pitching mechanics in hopes of restoring his velocity.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Two nights after yielding a franchise-record 81 points in a first half against Cleveland, Miami permitted 79 in the first half against a Pacers team that had lost 18 of its last 19 and was missing two of its three best players (Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubak).—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
So why are these meetings between the G7 yielding so few actionable outcomes?—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Officers responding to the initial call made no arrests after determining that no crime was committed, Mejia said.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Minnesota's Bones Hyland was assessed a technical for elbowing Detroit's Marcus Sasser, who drew a technical for responding with a shove.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That also means that either reverting BIOS settings or performing an OS reset is possible.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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The stadium also has a different name, reverting back to Sporting Park after its 10-year agreement with Children’s Mercy expired.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Accordingly, here’s a look at 10 high-paying careers that are dominated – or at least led – by women.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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For a 200-unit project receiving city incentives, for example, that would mean paying $200,000 rather than include 40 affordable units in a development.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Over the last four months, Ponto has been a voracious voice on social media, frequently commenting on Facebook posts related to the mayoral race and replying to resident comments.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Second, the message may include an attachment asking you to request additional details by replying to the email.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One law created new oversight, requiring oil companies to open their books and giving regulators more visibility into refinery profits and operations.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Clever Mercury in your sign trines lucky Jupiter in your 5th House of Delight, giving your words a playful glow and encouraging authentic self-expression.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Aaron spent long hours at his computer answering queries, fixing bugs, and releasing updates to serve his growing base.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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During one of the day’s breaks, Tappin won a gift bag, including a flat iron, after answering a question correctly.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Returning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/returning. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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