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

In a turnabout from Orbán’s hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar’s government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat. — Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

In a turnabout from Orbán's hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar's government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

In fact, as Rodriguez explained, Salazar’s turnabout had seemed to spark a fund-raising windfall for his campaign from national donors, who saw the dysfunction as a sign that the seat was potentially flippable. — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

Naturally, Rebecca and Higgins beat Zelda at her own game with a bit of turnabout involving her assistant, leaving a 49-49 percent split between the two women. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 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