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

Just days after Meta introduced its Muse Image AI generator, the Mark Zuckerberg-run company has done a complete U-turn. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 July 2026

Naval liaison groups have yet to comment on the abrupt U-turns, although the Joint Maritime Intelligence Center repeated on Sunday that Iranian forces continue to harass shipping. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

The fallout in financial markets forced the government into a humiliating U-turn and ultimately led to Truss’ resignation after just 49 days in the job. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Once dropped off, the delivery driver is seen performing a U-turn before driving away, leaving even more damage to the yard. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 June 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