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Definitions

by turns

ADVERB
one after another
Synonyms
WEAK
alternately in succession one person at a time

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.

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

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

Even now they were snarling and whimpering by turns, pulling at their leashes while Chett cursed them for curs.

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