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

Not long after, the teen got into a vehicle with Marcareno, made a U-turn and drove past the house, where Rodriguez Fernandez fired six shots from the passenger seat — striking and killing a woman, according to court records. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Sep. 2026

Nick Saban did a similar U-turn, going back to LSU as the Alabama head coach after a crash and burn in the NFL. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The decision represents a U-turn after producers had initially said the show would go on following Grande’s exit. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

De Zerbi performed a U-turn after a productive conversation with Bergvall during the tour. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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