by turns

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It” is, by turns, heartbreaking and inspirational.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

All weekend long, the headlines out of Minneapolis have captured a moment that is by turns alarming and bizarre.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

Where “Warhead” does look ahead, it is by turns thought-provoking and terrifying.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

He suggested the central pair's friendship "rings false", adding: "What should be piercing, impassioned moments are by turns frivolous and sappy."

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

His baby brother had been wild as a winter storm since he learned Robb was riding off to war, weeping and angry by turns.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin