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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2
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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
But the show has also increasingly thrived on the odd-couple chemistry between co-creator Downs, who plays Hollywood’s gentlest manager, and breakout star Stalter as his assistant turned partner. Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2025 Then, as the century turned, the boys were pushed aside by rough young men. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 15 July 2025
Noun
Colombia) Set during Colombia’s 1992 energy crisis, following Ester and Leo, a couple whose road trip takes a tragic turn when Ester vanishes without explanation. John Hopewell, Variety, 15 July 2025 In turn, participants represent Purdue University as volunteers sharing their expertise and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • There are also rotating daily specials, with vegetarian versions typically available.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Since its debut on Sept. 1, 1991, E! News has featured a rotating lineup of hosts, delivering pop culture updates to audiences around the world.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently suggested the Houston Astros could swing a blockbuster trade deadline deal for Miami Marlins hurler Edward Cabrera in the coming days.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Never did Nick Kurtz consider this, not as a young boy learning to swing left-handed in Lancaster, Pa., or during the charmed collegiate career that catapulted him into baseball’s consciousness.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • For one thing, AI currently lacks the creativity, intuition or adaptability needed to deftly handle any emergency that deviates from historical flight data.
    Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 21 July 2025
  • Because the river winds, the streets accessing the docks in Lincoln Yards had to deviate in their headings.
    F.K. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • Soon after, Vernor opened his own pharmacy on Woodward Avenue, and its soda fountain became the first place in the world to buy Vernors ginger ale in 1866.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • While there are attempts to filter likely spam and scam messages, and Google’s new one click spam button helps, attackers know how to revolve numbers and can even use AI to vary content to bypass defenses.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Joining Lake are a revolving panel of judges including Ross Matthews, fitness instructor Cody Rigsby, and actresses Dulcé Sloan and Dascha Polanco.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • What to look for in a quality cappuccino machine Adjustable water temperature The quality of your espresso absolutely depends on the temperature of the water.
    PubSubHub User, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
  • But there is a drastic difference in the dollar amount of payments beneficiaries may receive depending on their start date.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • When a ball spins quickly through the air, the placement of its rough elements matters less; the ball moves as if these features are evenly distributed.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 25 July 2025
  • Then in November, Boucek spotted the first spinning fish.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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