as in reversal
a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite
the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
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 about-face
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
The post didn’t allow comments, but that didn’t stop the online discourse over his about-face.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
The about-face, economists and trade experts say, has the potential to transform international trade, reducing global connections while creating incentives to produce more goods in the U.S.
What are the goals of retaliatory tariffs?
—Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025
The latest episode: Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's about-face on Republican's spending bill.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
That about-face, which has yet to be discussed at a public meeting, is deeply regrettable.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
The post didn’t allow comments, but that didn’t stop the online discourse over his about-face.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
The about-face, economists and trade experts say, has the potential to transform international trade, reducing global connections while creating incentives to produce more goods in the U.S.
What are the goals of retaliatory tariffs?
—Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025
The latest episode: Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's about-face on Republican's spending bill.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
-
German diplomatic missions abroad are unable to influence the reversal of a denial of entry.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Apr. 2025
-
The reversals of the Biden-era lawsuits mark the beginnings of a broader effort by Trump administration officials to attempt to tighten their grip on federal elections.—
Ashley Oliver,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the days after the summit, the downtown reverted back to a filthy equilibrium.—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
-
After experimenting with ballerina nails (also known as coffin nails) Gomez reverted back to her signature long almond shape.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Each glass lens pivots open to reveal an intimate space that the city is now using to host mini coffee shops, art studios, bars, and cafés.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Landmark, once the go-to chain to launch independent films, fell on hard times as did many during Covid, was strapped for cash and pivoted to add big studio fare to its lineup.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.—
London Business School,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The realities of Putin’s momentum, coupled with Washington’s volte-face, have led to a clear mood shift in Kyiv.—
Daryna Mayer,
NBC News,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Military Pullback in Europe Militarily, Trump could rescind the large presence the U.S. military has for decades maintained in Europe without making formal pronouncements about NATO.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
And last month, citing the president's pledge to eliminate federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the Trump administration decided to rescind an anticipated $75 million in grant funding.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Moving away from her usual hairstyles, Rihanna opted for a straight midi-bob cut that curved in at the tips and rested on her shoulders.—
Teresa Romero Martínez,
Glamour,
22 Mar. 2025
-
See the conservatory, the rose garden, the Great Lawn, and the Bayou Boardwalk that stretches out over the river and curves back toward land.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe.—
Summer Ballentine,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Iran’s Supreme Court later overturned Yasin’s death sentence on appeal, and his sentence was eventually set at five years.—
Madalena Araujo,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Also Board 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Produced by Imagine Documentaries, the series bows Sunday on linear Nat Geo before a next-day streaming premiere on Disney+ and Hulu.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Holding a bouquet of yellow roses, the six-time Emmy Award nominee, 45, bowed to thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd, including his former The Little Mermaid costars Sierra Boggess and Sherie Rene Scott.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share