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
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Recent Examples of about-face
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 June 2026
Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
Altman’s apparent about-face comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 May 2026
In New Zealand, about 60 percent of voters opposed the country’s about-face.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
Together, the moves would mark an about-face in the civil rights agency's efforts to fulfill its mission.
—Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 June 2026
Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
Altman’s apparent about-face comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 May 2026
In New Zealand, about 60 percent of voters opposed the country’s about-face.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversal was driven largely by Claude Code, Anthropic’s autonomous coding tool.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
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The official said the demand to dismantle Black Economic Empowerment policies was viewed internally as a direct reversal of commitments made to South Africans who fought against apartheid.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
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This can sometimes take months and requires keeping up with soil amendments so the plant doesn't revert back to its old hue.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
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As light can selectively target the fluid, scientists were able to print microscopic conductive patterns that completely vanish once exposed to open air, which reverts the gel back into non-conductive liquid clusters.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Verb
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But the couple had to pivot and come up with a plan B after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the Knicks' parade and championship celebration details, which coincided with the date, time and venue of McCall and Katsnelson's wedding ceremony.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
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When fans rejected elements in the first trailer, Legendary and Warner Bros listened and pivoted.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Noun
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This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
17 Jan. 2026
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The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Dozens of service members at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have fallen ill with the flu in the weeks since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rescinded the vaccine mandate, sources familiar confirmed to CBS News.—
Eleanor Watson,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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The council rescinded support for the controversial Interstate 77 South toll lanes project that would have disrupted historically Black neighborhoods.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The innovative Panoramic Display consists of a 48-inch screen curving from door to door along the base of the windshield.—
Robert Duffer,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
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If choosing a pair without a headband, consider a model that has curved temples or a frame made of rubber.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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At least some of Mahajan's family managed to jump out safely, but Mahajan was still inside when the carriage clipped another horse carriage and overturned.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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As of mid-June, no state insurance AI rule has been challenged in court, let alone overturned.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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In today’s world, this is not only rare but also contrary to a pervasive culture of self-promotion and vitriolic hate against everyone who doesn’t bow.—
Luis E. Romero,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Lillocci contributed to the design of Canali’s fall 2026 lineup but his first full collection in this new role bows for spring 2027, which will be unveiled in Milan on Sunday.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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