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

• 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

The plunge – just the latest in a string of sales drops for Musk’s once-hot EV maker – underscores the turnabout in Tesla’s fortunes. —Ryan Hogg, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

His turnabout occurred as DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet were gathering in Orlando at the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters for a press conference at which the governor announced the creation of a new immigration enforcement unit within the patrol. —Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025

This turnabout opportunity gives each party tangible experiences to draw upon. —Simone E. Morris, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

This is a remarkable turnabout, but its roots lie in the vaunted deal that Ramaphosa helped make to end apartheid. —Lydia Polgreen, Mercury News, 27 May 2025

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