returns 1 of 2

Definition of returnsnext
present tense third-person singular of return
1
as in restores
to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place when I'm done reading a book, I always return it to the very shelf I got it from

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in yields
to produce as revenue this technology stock is expected to return a healthy profit

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3
4
as in reverts
to go back to a previous and usually lower state or level vowed to do anything to keep the recovering alcoholic from returning to his dissolute ways

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

returns

2 of 2

noun

plural of return

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of returns
Verb
Gill returns as a practice-squad developmental player. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Control returns not through force but timing. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 Redick said before the game that when Reaves returns will ultimately be up to the comfort level the team’s second-leading scorer has with his body. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 27 Apr. 2026 Miami returns Greg Dulcich on a one-year free-agent contract after a receiving surge the second half of last season. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 The team returns home next Sunday to take on Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Sunshine returns Monday, bringing a break from the wet pattern and highs climbing into the upper 60s. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026 After a foggy start to our morning, sunshine returns for the second part of the day, and highs will be below normal in the low 60s. Mary Ours, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 And so, Odysseus returns as promised. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
The sale-leaseback is one way that private equity investors generate returns from hospital investments, but the deals leave the hospitals on the hook for paying rent. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Sunshine returns on Monday along with warmer temperatures. Rachael Jay, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Singleton also would be an option for the Chiefs on kickoff returns. Jesse Newell, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Big money, uneven returns Steyer’s spending dwarfs every other candidate. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 Fertilize all flowerbeds and shrub plantings as the rainy season returns. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Plus, DreamCloud mattresses come with a 365-day trial period, free shipping and returns, and a Forever warranty. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 At the same time, declining loan valuations — markdowns in the value of loans extended by private credit funds — are signaling stress at the company level, forcing private equity managers to mark down asset values and accept lower returns, said Hooke. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 Urena returns after making the first two appearances of his big league career early in the season. Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for returns
Verb
  • The pass-through credit restores some of the deduction by sending 100 percent of a New York City business tax back to business owners.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The Hydro-Screen Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol is an ultra-versatile serum that hydrates, moisturizes, repairs, restores and helps to boost collagen production on the face, neck and even your hands.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Chicago composer has achieved viral success with her melancholy instrumental music, but her return to traditional singer-songwriter fare yields mixed results.
    Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026
  • That larger sample yields an important insight.
    Jason Jewell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Every generation faces a new wave of technological disruption and responds with the same blend of overconfidence, short-termism, and reluctance to let go of what’s working.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • These datasets help recreate how a model responds, enabling the development of competing systems at lower cost.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are still times Stokes reverts back to his worst tendencies on the basketball court.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge, and the new map will hold until the process reverts back to a bipartisan redistricting commission after the 2030 Census.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Official responses to Johnson’s remarks were muted.
    Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Clark also explained that a unified command structure for law enforcement, first responders, and community partners was established to ensure quick responses were possible.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wells pays someone to mow her lawn.
    David A. Lieb, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The state’s Next Level Jobs program pays the tuition for students to take classes for high-demand jobs, Dulin said.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But Eunice only replies that the chairwoman is excited to work with him and Ashley on the wellness center.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Maddy replies that Cassie might currently just be a big fish in a small pond.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If Pat Riley opens that door or leaves that door open, deferring to Nick Arison on answers on Monday, then yes, further explanation would seem reasonable from the executive branch.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Limon and Bristy were reported missing by a family friend on April 17, and as days went by, their friends in Florida and relatives abroad became increasingly desperate for answers.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Returns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/returns. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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