turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t 

1

a

: a change or reversal of direction, trend, policy, role, or character

b

: a changing from one allegiance to another

c

: turncoat, renegade

d

: an act or instance of retaliating

turnabout is fair play

2

: merry-go-round

Synonyms of turnabout

• reversal

Examples of turnabout in a Sentence

employees regarded the latest turnabout as a sure sign that management hadn't a clue as to what it was doing

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbott’s campaign season turnabout on data centers doesn’t seem to have soothed many. — Marc Levy, Fortune, 23 July 2026

The jump in oil prices over recent weeks marked a turnabout for crude costs, which account for a large share of the price of auto gasoline. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Newsom hailed the changes, but environmental groups are incensed at the turnabout. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

That turnabout changed the mood almost immediately. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turnabout

• turnabout is fair play

Rhymes for turnabout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout

Kids Definition

turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t 

: a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite