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take a turn

VERB
deviate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
depart differ diverge vary veer
STRONG
aberrate avert bend contrast deflect digress divagate drift err part shy swerve turn wander
WEAK
angle off bear off bend the rules break pattern circumlocate depart from edge off get around go amiss go haywire go off on tangent go out of control go out of way leave beaten path not conform swim against stream turn aside
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree stay
STRONG
straighten
WEAK
go straight keep

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.

If high gas prices and stubborn inflation persist, retail sales could take a turn for the worse heading into the summer.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

If things take a turn for the worse, it is doubtful he has the wisdom and gravitas to handle it.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Of course, this is also where things take a turn, because lots of folks just weren’t that fond of the birds.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

When he arrives, things take a turn from the heavy-handed to the silly, which is an improvement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

My six friends All take a turn, And then baby brother From his stroller Whacks a plastic bat — Candies rain down.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto