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turnabout

noun turn·about \ ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t \
|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of turnabout

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

See turnabout defined for English-language learners

See turnabout defined for kids

Examples of turnabout in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of turnabout from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turnabout.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of turnabout

1789

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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turnabout Synonyms

Synonyms

about-face, flip-flop, reversal, turnaround, U-turn;

Related Words

bait and switch, switcheroo;

denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction;

reconsideration, retreat, second thought;

hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling (also wabbling);

Phrases

change of heart;

Phrases Related to TURNABOUT

Related Phrases

TURNABOUT Defined for Kids

turnabout

noun turn·about \ ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t \

Definition of turnabout for Students

: a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite
  • In a complete turnabout, he admitted that he had lied.

Learn More about turnabout

  1. See words that rhyme with turnabout Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turnabout Nglish: Translation of turnabout for Spanish speakers

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