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.

Intimidating and brilliant, his Julian Sklar is by turns amusingly viperish and not quite successful at concealing the softness of age.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

As in Samuel Beckett’s tragicomic theater and novels, Tarr’s movies, by turns funny and heartbreaking, dignify human struggle with an uncommon tenacity of vision and empathy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

He was, by turns, inflamed by anger, twisted by confusion, withered by sadness.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie