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.
He is accompanied on his reluctant journey to the finish line with a group of characters who by turns torment and placate him.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
Septimius Severus was capable by turns of savagery, cunning, wit and generosity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
“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
Embarrassed, her son-in-law pleaded and yelled by turns for her to stop her warnings, but the old woman did not.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
