turnabout

noun turn·about \ ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Examples: turnabout in a Sentence

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

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See turnabout defined for kids

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 of turnabout from the Web

Since people who regard themselves as masculine have spent centuries diagnosing other people’s identities, this turnabout might be considered fair play.

— crispin sartwell, WSJ, "Conversion Therapy Isn’t the Cure for ‘Toxic Masculinity’," 1 June 2018
His right-wing turnabout could torpedo a forthcoming album and affect future tour sales and fashion revenues, which depend on the goodwill of young, taste-making audiences.

— shelby grad, latimes.com, "Essential California: A political odd couple," 10 May 2018
Palmer's move affecting short-term rentals in most residential areas would be a dramatic turnabout from regulations that took effect in April 2017 under Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

— kevin litten, NOLA.com, "New Orleans Council proposal would halt some short-term rentals, including some licensed," 21 May 2018
Democrats contend that since Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stole the nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016, turnabout is fair play.

— Fox News, "John Bolton previews the Trump-Putin summit; Leonard Leo on frontrunners to replace Justice Kennedy," 1 July 2018
But just before leaving office in January, Mr. Christie signed the 2017 version of the bill without explaining his turnabout.

— patrick mcgeehan, New York Times, "Judge Blocks New Jersey From Backing Out of Waterfront Commission," 4 June 2018
In a startling turnabout earlier Wednesday, Trump made an all-caps pitch for the bill.

— alan fram and lisa mascaro, BostonGlobe.com, "House rejects Republican immigration bill, ignoring Trump," 27 June 2018
But the interview on Monday would have given prosecutors their first opportunity to ask Ms. Clifford detailed questions about the arrangement, which Mr. Trump initially denied but then acknowledged in a startling turnabout last month.

— alan feuer, New York Times, "Planned Meeting Between Stormy Daniels and Prosecutors Is Canceled, Lawyer Says," 24 June 2018
That marks a turnabout from a few seasons ago, when auction houses could bank on selling their priciest pieces even if less-glitzy ones floundered.

— kelly crow, WSJ, "Middle-Market Works Power New York Auctions," 19 May 2018

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.