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

Starmer stepped down in July after two years in office, following missteps, policy U-turns and his failure to get Britain’s sluggish economy growing. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Samuel’s U-turn comes amid uncertainty about wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who aggravated his right knee’s posterior cruciate ligament in Monday’s second practice of training camp. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

His two years in office were marked by a series of policy U-turns, scandals over staffing appointments and a dramatic loss in Britain's local elections which sparked calls for his resignation from within his own ranks. — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 26 July 2026

But following an apparent judicial U-turn this week, the high-stakes battle to overturn the controversial legislation has officially restarted. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 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