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

Politically, Cerf was liberal but pragmatic, by turns “shrewd” and “credulous,” according to Ms. Feldman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 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

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

Everyone wants to look up his or her own name to see what it means, is by turns pleased and disappointed.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri