turn away

verb

Definition of turn awaynext
as in to repel
to drive back using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 turn away Along with that revenue loss, 56% of operators say a no-show means turning away other bookings, while 51% cite staff costs and 49% report wasted food or stock, the study found. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 As Gaza was reduced to ashes, the whole world watched—and turned away. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 Beijing’s bet on embodied AI is not a turn away from software or a concession in the software race with Washington. — Scott Singer, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 Evan Louro turned away five shots in his third start in goal this season for Cincinnati and the eighth of his career. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn away
  1. repel
  2. turn back
  3. resist
  4. repulse
  5. beat off
  6. stave off
Verb
  • During wetter years, trees are healthier and can more easily repel the beetle with sap.
    — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Among those rescued was Chinese tourist Weiwei Zhao, who had been trekking with a friend but turned back because of heavy snowfall.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Forty percent of the broad market index is made up of tech stocks, which have surged recently as investors — wary of higher interest rates — turn back to those companies most able to weather any sudden downturn.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of turn back
Verb
  • And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The new generation of therapeutic peptides is chemically modified to resist breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract, where traditional peptide drugs degrade before they can be absorbed.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • Her widowed aunt plays chaperone as Susanna attends heady lectures and repulses her many suitors.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Young people just aren’t interested, partly because they’re repulsed by bodily fluids.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Spurs beat off competition from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Fernandes, while Manchester City were interested in Tonali.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Happiness beat off competition from second place The Flaws, an absurdist comedy for ZDF that won the official competition at the same fest.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 June 2026
Definition of beat off
Verb
  • But in the end, when Miami needed to the most, the Hurricanes came to life to stave off FSU’s upset bid.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Hillmon, Dream guard Jordin Canada and wing Rhyne Howard hit a layup, a jumper and free throws to stave off the Valkyries’ attack.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of stave off

Browse Nearby Words

turnarounds
turn away
turn back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn%20away. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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