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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a dramatic about-face in the agency's position on the relationship between vaccines and autism. NPR, 20 Nov. 2025 The legislation went immediately to the desk of the president after an abrupt about-face to support the measure despite initially opposing it. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025 Trump’s about-face on the issue illustrated a broader, tumultuous moment for Republicans and his allies in Kansas and Missouri and across the country. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 Nov. 2025 The Balenciaga tunics seemed similarly austere, until the models did an about-face, revealing a slit that sagged open seductively. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025 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 25 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on about-face

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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