Synonyms of U-turnnext
1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cardi did a U-turn in 2019, swearing off all plastic surgery and resorting to exercise instead. Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 The decision is a dramatic U-turn for the agency, which, only about a week ago, had publicly rejected Moderna’s application to get the shot reviewed. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2026 Despite a huge parliamentary majority that should allow the government easily to implement its plans, Starmer has been forced to make multiple U-turns on contentious policies including welfare cuts and mandatory digital ID cards. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Despite a huge parliamentary majority that should allow the government to implement its plans with ease, Starmer has been forced to make multiple U-turns on contentious policies including welfare cuts and mandatory digital ID cards. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for U-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“U-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/U-turn. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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