about-turn

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈtərn 

British

: about-face

Synonyms of about-turn

• reversal
• volte-face

Examples of about-turn in a Sentence

more than one London newspaper accused the prime minister of doing an about-turn on the issue

Recent Examples on the Web

First, a dramatic about-turn by the United States. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025

And while this about-turn is leading headlines today, the war in Iran continues to cast a shadow over the trip. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 13 May 2026

The specific reasons behind the about-turns are not clear, as both Iraq and Pakistan had earlier received approvals from Iran to transit the strait. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026

Also on March 10, a federal judge ruled that the department is required to make its records public, an about-turn for the agency that has been mired in secrecy, according to Forbes. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for about-turn

• overturn
• taciturn
• unconcern
• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne