U-turn

noun

ˈyü-ˌtərn 

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

Synonyms of U-turn

• reversal
• change of heart

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

But following an apparent judicial U-turn this week, the high-stakes battle to overturn the controversial legislation has officially restarted. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

This year’s Red Sox can only hope their U-turn under Chad Tracy mirrors his dad’s. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Officers attempted to stop a van matching the description after spotting men who fit the suspects' descriptions, but the vehicle fled after making a U-turn and crossing a median, Reitz said. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The officers, who were traveling two to a government vehicle, turned on their police lights and attempted to pull over the van when the men fled, conducting a U-turn and hopping a median to get away, according to Reitz. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for U-turn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn