about-face

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās 

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

Synonyms of about-face

• reversal
• volte-face

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters

Recent Examples on the Web

In a striking about-face, Janza immediately announced that Slovenia would cancel its previous recognition of Palestine and move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

However, there was an about-face when security concerns prevented her and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from a full visit to Harry’s home country. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Overall, the slump in prices of gold models is an about-face from 2025, when those same 13 timepieces saw a 9 percent increase in price. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 July 2026

The sales are an about-face for a company that has staked its business on accumulating, not dumping, Bitcoin. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 6 July 2026

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

Rhymes for about-face

• aerospace
• anatase
• anyplace
• commonplace
• cyberspace
• database
• diabase
• diastase
• dnase
• elastase
• fireplace
• hyperspace

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