by turns

Idioms

Alternately, one after another, as in She is by turns cheerful, serious, and sad. [First half of 1500s]

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

As an evocation of a remarkable figure, by turns obstinate and unexpectedly endearing, Longford’s book remains unsurpassed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 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

Songs are by turns epic, edgy, spacey and insistent.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023