U-turn

noun

ˈyü-ˌtərn 

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

Synonyms of U-turn

• reversal
• change of heart

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

Yellow median posts block the kind of dramatic U-turn Knight took after the shooting, driving furiously back toward The Strip as blood trickled down his face. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

About three hours and 20 minutes into the ride, Hernandez piloted the vessel in a U-turn, which investigators believed brought the boat into a swell caused by a larger passing boat. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

The driver is also alleged to have made a U-turn from a through lane after exiting the expressway, according to the affidavit. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

The sergeant made a U-turn on Bloomfield Avenue near the intersection of Parker Street and began following the sedan, officials say. — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for U-turn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn