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

Ireland eventually eased its moratorium late last year as the AI boom saw sentiment U-turn on the economic potential of the facilities. —April Roach,tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

The president’s approach toward Walz, who served as Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024, amounted to a sharp U-turn. —Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026

Getty Images Key Facts Flight tracking data on ADS-B Exchange showed that Air Force One took off from the military base in Maryland but made a U-turn over the Atlantic Ocean near Long Island. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The witness made a U-turn to intervene. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 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