Synonyms of about-facenext
1
: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2
: a reversal of direction
3
: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
about-face intransitive verb

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
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.
The Justice Department’s about-face revealed a major fracture in antitrust enforcement. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Collegiate Consulting then did an about-face on social media, posting to X the following morning that the firm stood by its original figures. Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026 The move marks an about-face for the government. Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 But Trump’s decision to use military force to go after foreign leaders is an about-face that has infuriated many of his own MAGA supporters. Michael Collins, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Word History

Etymology

from the imperative phrase about face, from about entry 1 + face entry 2

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of about-face was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

about-face

noun
ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās
1
: a reversal of direction
2
: a reversal of attitude or point of view
about-face verb

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