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

The fallout in financial markets forced the government into a humiliating U-turn and ultimately led to Truss’ resignation after just 49 days in the job. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Once dropped off, the delivery driver is seen performing a U-turn before driving away, leaving even more damage to the yard. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 June 2026

But change has come more slowly than many demand, and in any case Starmer’s standing had already been irretrievably eroded by a series of U-turns and scandals. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 June 2026

Several other policy changes led to blowback from the public and Starmer was forced to make a series of embarrassing U-turns that provided political capital for opponents and fed beliefs that the prime minister didn’t stand for much. — ABC News, 23 June 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