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.
That marks an about-face from its performance at the start of the decade. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 When Swalwell succumbed to the growing political pressure to bow out of the race, and eventually resigned from Congress, Gallego did an about-face on his support for the California congressman. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026 The vessel originally performed a U-turn near Larak and Qeshm islands before executing a second about-face to resume its inbound course. Weilun Soon, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026 Mamdani’s also done an about-face on the city’s rental assistance program, CityFHEPs, angering progressive allies. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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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