turn 1 of 2

1
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis turned the doorknob as quietly as possible

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2
as in to swing
to change the course or direction of (something) the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around he turned his cart uphill

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3
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we turned left at the light the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area

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4
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality will turn 12 in six months

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5
6
7
as in to depend
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) what we do next turns on your answer to the following question

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8
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around all the new information made his head turn

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9
as in to persuade
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife

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turn

2 of 2

noun

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5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication

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6
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe

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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 turn
Verb
Owning a movie theater was a lifelong dream for Floyd, who notes that a commitment to supporting independent film is not always compatible with the need to turn a profit. Cory Stillman, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025 Their vocal chemistry and mutual affinity for a retro-country sound is undeniable, and this tale of an evening spent drinking, singing karaoke and hoping this dive-bar connection could turn into more serves as a perfect sonic setting. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
Mayer paused and by his expression demonstrated, in turn, maternal kindness, sweetness, sacrifice and love, and then glared at Freed and me. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 This, in turn, typically depends on how full the hash table is. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for turn 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan half way through to make sure even baking.
    Bev Barrett, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The name pays tribute to Ngo’s late mother Mai Chu, with items such as a rotating fish crudo and filet mignon in bò kho (a spicy Vietnamese soup) jus. ▪ Tomo Noodles & Dumplings is in its soft opening phase at 3230 Arena Blvd.
    Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Twins swung a minor trade on Thursday, trading utilityman Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The Mavs swung another trade Tuesday, acquiring noted Celtics killer Caleb Martin from Philadelphia.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • By clearly codifying into law the objectives and authorities of our international assistance programs in a bipartisan fashion, Congress would ensure that foreign assistance will not deviate from its core purpose nor fail to deliver value for Americans.
    Ted Yoho, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
  • This prisoner exchange appears to deviate from the typical scenario, whereby Russian and American hostages would be released simultaneously and identified shortly before or immediately after the swap.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Known for unmercifully calling out machismo through her music, Paquita became a guiding light for many women who have been wronged or slighted by their partners, or a patriarchal world.
    KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The group met online and shared anarchist beliefs, which became increasingly more violent.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The filing also details various financial agreements, including amendments to revolving credit facilities and related party loans.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The sun provides heat and light, the moon keeps the tides in check, and the planets revolve nicely around a star that’s neither too small nor too large, and just the right temperature.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For centuries since, people have pondered why Jesus was killed.
    Lynne Silva-Breen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Arteta pondered that thoughtfully after yesterday’s win.
    Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • To this day, he's simultaneously praised as an icon and despised as a villain, depending on your beliefs.
    Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • During the pandemic, the number surged to approximately half to two-thirds of the global workforce, depending on region.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The atmosphere was electric, set to the rhythm of classic R&B hits spun by Abby the DJ, creating an inviting, soulful energy that filled the space.
    Lyric Christian, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Weaving a fascination for lace A delicate jewel among textiles, lace is an elegant and deceptively simple creation whose appeal has been spun for centuries.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near turn

Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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