1
as in rotates
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 swings
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
4
5
as in revolves
to move in circles around an axis or center
the wheels turned, but the car was hopelessly stuck and wasn't moving
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6
as in ponders
to give serious and careful thought to
turned the question every which way but could find no answer
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7
8
9
as in convinces
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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1
as in walks
a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure
would you care to take a turn around the garden?
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2
as in services
an act of kind assistance
one good turn deserves another
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3
as in tendencies
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
an adventurous turn of mind that led him toward more physical activities like biking and skateboarding
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4
as in bends
something that curves or is curved
right after this turn in the road you'll find the antiques shop on the right
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5
as in bouts
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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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of turns
Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026
Made from 100 percent renewable plant fibers and agricultural waste, Savian turns nettle, flax and hemp into fur, shearling and fleece-like fabrics using proprietary technologies.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
That fast reaction is what turns a harmless reset request into a real account takeover.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Nardos turns runways into storytelling—and gowns into declarations.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 15 Jan. 2026
The only thing that might limit the Rams’ efficient passing game is the bitterly cold Chicago weather, and the kind of cold that turns WR hands into stone.
—Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
That’s the approach that turns a holiday obligation into something that actually matters.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Due to Brigham’s indefinite incarceration and inability to earn an income, Taylor is seeking a lump-sum child support payment from his estate to satisfy his monthly obligation until the child graduates from high school or turns 18.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
This workout setting turns your gym routine into something truly unforgettable.
—Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
The lead-up to the courtroom trial, and the trial itself, is full of nail-biting turns.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026
Before his goal, his best moments were neat turns and dribbles near the halfway line, too far from the goal to create big chances.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
American Express, Visa, and Capital One, which dropped 6% by midday trading, all encountered slight downward turns, signaling concern.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
After some noteworthy supporting turns as a teen actor, Chalamet burst to fame at the age of 21 with Call Me By Your Name.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
Set beneath the Matterhorn, the resort spans over 225 miles of pistes across Switzerland and Italy, with high-altitude skiing that stretches up to nearly 12,800 feet on the glacier—often allowing for early-season and late-spring turns when other resorts are winding down.
—Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Just a quick rotation, and your personal audio turns into shared sound.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Clean lines, sharp lines, sharp turns.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
The creamy texture turns into foam as tweens lather the fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula.
—Noun
But taken together, the records illustrate how major corporate leaders, organized labor, donors and political heavyweights have enjoyed direct access to the governor during a year of consequential policy turns — even as some of the most outspoken public-interest advocates were left out of the room.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for turns
Verb
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Adley, who at Marigold rotates dishes regularly, is enticing diners to Heretik with a chicken operation and shellfish, oysters and sea urchins.—
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This is because the Sun rotates once every 28 days.—
Verb
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Forcefully thrust your hips forward to return to standing so that the bell swings up in front of you.—
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When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.—
Verb
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The director's take deviates from Shelley's in its emphasis on forgiveness.—
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The Disney performance, which typically runs on weekdays, deviates from the religious overtunes.—
Verb
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As the family's frantic search begins, the media is quick to point the finger at Marissa and her friend, Jenny Kaminski (Elle Fanning), whose nanny, Carrie Finch (Sophia Lillis), becomes the prime suspect.—
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This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.—
Verb
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The vases also reflect his perspective that design should slow down and allow consumers to hold onto items for longer than the fashion cycle typically revolves today.—
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Writer-director Annemarie Jacir takes on her largest-scale production to date with Palestine 36, a panoramic drama that interweaves period re-creations with evocative archival footage and revolves among characters both fictional and historical.—
Verb
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Small businesses throughout the Golden State, especially those in rural or underserved communities, are on pins and needles as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ponders Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier.—
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The difference between these two performances makes the romance even more unbelievable, as the audience ponders what this seemingly confident woman sees in this immature putz.—
Verb
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Nvidia, for example, depends on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to fabricate its designs.—
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Insurance expert Karl Susman said the cost of earthquake insurance depends on multiple factors, including the home itself, when it was built, where it's located, and whether it's bolted.—
Verb
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The aptly named God of Time is equipped with a groundbreaking tourbillon that spins at a record-breaking four seconds per rotation.—
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This airflow spins the rotator through surface friction alone.—
Cite this Entry
“Turns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turns. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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