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.
Local housing activists were surprised by the about-face – and left frustrated. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 For Netanyahu, who up to this point has resisted an agreement to free all the hostages and end the war, the ceasefire deal marks an about-face. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored. Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 The about-face was announced last week in a press release aimed at the marque’s investors. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 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 16 Oct. 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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