about-face

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās 

1

: a 180 degree 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

Here’s Instagram head Adam Mosseri trying to explain the about-face the platform is doing around longform video. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 8 Nov. 2026

Such political about-faces weren’t widespread throughout the state. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026

Winning back SMBs Returning focus to a streamlined low-end virtualization product is an about-face for VMware, which has largely focused on enterprise-size customers since Broadcom’s takeover. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026

Indeed, Michigan voters simply should decide for themselves what to take into account, including Stevens’ about-face. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 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