Synonyms of U-turnnext
1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From church pulpits to community gatherings, the policy U-turn was widely viewed as a betrayal of Black Americans who had propped up the retail giant's fortunes. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 When the news broke, a United Airlines flight from Newark carrying more than 100 passengers was required to make an abrupt U-turn midair. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2026 The driver saw emergency vehicles and made a U-turn to leave a second time. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026 The standard rear-axle steering with a seven-degree lock angle shrinks the curb-to-curb turning circle to just 35 feet—comparable to the compact CLA sedan—while the more direct front-axle steering ratio means fewer turns of the wheel to execute a full U-turn. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for U-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“U-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/U-turn. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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