What Is Another Way to Say “Turn Away”?

Looking for synonyms for turn away? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say turn away.

  • Reject
  • Refuse
  • Dismiss
  • Repel
  • Decline
  • Spurn
  • Repulse
  • Shun
  • Divert
  • Deflect
  • Avert
  • Snub
  • Avoid
  • Rebuff
  • Ward off
  • Dismiss
  • Turn back
  • Send away
  • Cast aside
  • Rebuke
  • Renounce
  • Disown
  • Forsake
  • Jilt
  • Disregard

Want to learn how to say turn away professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Reject

Appropriate Use: To refuse to accept, submit to, believe, or make use of.
Example: “The committee decided to reject the proposal due to lack of detailed analysis.”

2. Refuse

Appropriate Use: To indicate unwillingness to do, accept, give, or allow something.
Example: “The CEO refused to compromise on the ethical standards of the company.”

3. Dismiss

Appropriate Use: To decide that something or someone is not important and not worth considering.
Example: “The manager dismissed the idea as impractical under current market conditions.”

4. Repel

Appropriate Use: To drive or force back; to reject in a hostile manner.
Example: “The company’s high prices repel potential budget-conscious customers.”

5. Decline

Appropriate Use: Politely refuse an offer or invitation.
Example: “She decided to decline the job offer due to the long commute.”

6. Spurn

Appropriate Use: To reject with disdain or contempt.
Example: “He spurned the very idea of engaging in fraudulent activities.”

7. Repulse

Appropriate Use: To drive back or rebuff, especially in a feeling of disgust or aversion.
Example: “The aggressive marketing tactics were repulsed by the community.”

8. Shun

Appropriate Use: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something through antipathy or caution.
Example: “The new policy was shunned by employees as being too restrictive.”

9. Divert

Appropriate Use: To turn aside or away from a path, direction, or course of action.
Example: “The company had to divert resources away from the unprofitable project.”

10. Deflect

Appropriate Use: To turn aside or cause to turn aside; to veer off course.
Example: “She deflected the criticism by showcasing the project’s successes.”

11. Avert

Appropriate Use: To turn away or aside, in avoidance.
Example: “The quick response of the IT team averted a major data breach.”

12. Snub

Appropriate Use: To rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully.
Example: “The veteran employee felt snubbed by not being included in the critical meeting.”

13. Avoid

Appropriate Use: To keep away from; to keep clear of.
Example: “He avoided any investments that seemed ethically ambiguous.”

14. Rebuff

Appropriate Use: To reject someone or something in an abrupt or ungracious manner.
Example: “The manager’s suggestion was rebuffed by the board due to financial constraints.”

15. Ward off

Appropriate Use: To avert, repel, or turn aside.
Example: “Effective communication can ward off potential misunderstandings.”

16. Turn back

Appropriate Use: To refuse entry or access to someone or something.
Example: “The security protocols turn back any unauthorized access to the building.”

17. Send away

Appropriate Use: To dismiss or order someone to leave.
Example: “The intern was sent away for not adhering to the lab’s safety rules.”

18. Cast aside

Appropriate Use: To dismiss or reject something.
Example: “Obsolete technologies were cast aside in favor of more modern solutions.”

19. Rebuke

Appropriate Use: To express sharp disapproval or criticism because of behavior or actions.
Example: “The supervisor rebuked the team for not meeting the project’s standards.”

20. Renounce

Appropriate Use: To formally declare one’s abandonment of a claim, right, or possession.
Example: “The CEO renounced the outdated practices that were harming the environment.”

21. Disown

Appropriate Use: To refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with.
Example: “The company quickly disowned the controversial statements made by its former executive.”

22. Forsake

Appropriate Use: To abandon or leave something.
Example: “He forsook his previous vendor ties to forge new partnerships.”

23. Jilt

Appropriate Use: To suddenly reject or abandon a lover.
Example: “The brand jilted its long-time advertising agency for a new, trendier one.”

24. Disregard

Appropriate Use: To pay no attention to; ignore.
Example: “The team disregarded the rumors, focusing instead on their work.”

25. Do away with

Appropriate Use: To abolish; to get rid of.
Example: “The company did away with outdated policies that hindered employee flexibility.”

Linda Brown