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.
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Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
Altman’s apparent about-face comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Verb
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Her first year as CMO has centered on reframing Zoom for enterprise buyers by pivoting external messaging from pandemic-era video communication toward business outcomes like productivity and workflow automation.
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In fact, experts caution against reacting too quickly by pivoting to gold.
Noun
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This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
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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.
Verb
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While the policy was voluntarily rescinded in 2021 after a surge of migrants had overwhelmed border crossings, the government now has the ability to reinstate it if necessary.
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The practice of limiting the number of people who can claim asylum was rescinded by the Biden administration.
Verb
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Prep with a lightweight blowout cream and use a large round brush to create lift at the roots while keeping the ends smooth and softly curved.
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The tracks where the train derailed are on a curving section of a bridge over the Grand Calumet River.
Verb
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Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot.
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Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews' ruling overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher to disqualify the challenger and keep him off the primary ballot.
Verb
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Wearing a gray suit and a white face mask, Kim, who has admitted receiving the gifts but denied they were tied to favors, quietly listened to the verdict with her head bowed.
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China and Japan are part of the offshore suite opening Friday, with France and Belgium bowing next weekend.
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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