as in reversal
a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite
the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of about-face
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2025
On April 17, 1825, Charles X, brother to Louis XVIII and the new French king, performed a sudden about-face.
—Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
Nowhere is the Republican Party’s about-face on soda more stark than in West Virginia.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
This about-face for coal is driven by the administration’s goal to become number 1 in the world of AI (artificial intelligence).
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
Aberdeen’s about-face could have been influenced by Wednesday’s commitment from Princeton’s Xaivian Lee.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2025
On April 17, 1825, Charles X, brother to Louis XVIII and the new French king, performed a sudden about-face.
—Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
Nowhere is the Republican Party’s about-face on soda more stark than in West Virginia.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
This about-face for coal is driven by the administration’s goal to become number 1 in the world of AI (artificial intelligence).
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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In a stunning reversal, that gargantuan mammal had caught me.—
Nina E. Cerfolio,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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In a major reversal, the federal government is restoring the records of hundreds, and possibly thousands, of international students whose entries in a crucial database the government had abruptly terminated in recent weeks, a move that had complicated their ability to stay in the country.—
Adrian Florido,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After 25 years, ownership rights for Sinners will revert back to Coogler instead of resigning with Warner Bros. in perpetuity.—
Jordan Crucchiola,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2025
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Eastern Time in the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which will revert back to the four-ball format.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At the time, some parents withdrew their kids from their neighborhood schools and put them in private schools, charter schools homeschooling and other alternatives when their campuses closed and pivoted to remote learning.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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Milliken, 68, has led large public university systems for more than 25 years, pivoting to the top roles in deep red and blue states alike.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.—
London Business School,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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The realities of Putin’s momentum, coupled with Washington’s volte-face, have led to a clear mood shift in Kyiv.—
Daryna Mayer,
NBC News,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In response to an Executive Order to review and rescind regulations that are deemed unconstitutional or undermine national interests, the IRS issued IRS Notice 2025-23.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The State Bar of Texas has rescinded an invitation to NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in light of a lawsuit brought against the Trump administration by the civil rights organization.—
Cheyanne M. Daniels,
The Hill,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The glass lobby curves around this view and outside is a huge pool deck with bar and lost of open-air seating.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Highlights in the Land of Enchantment include curving through Apache Canyon, sidling along the red sandstone cliffs near Gallup, and marveling at the barren lava fields of El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area.—
Ellen Carpenter,
AFAR Media,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The victory was later overturned into a no-contest while Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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The Blues made the right call in the second period, too, getting Morgan Barron’s highlight-reel goal overturned due to Mason Appleton being offside.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The set bowed at No. 16 on the Top Alternative Albums chart dated April 5 and has earned 20,000 equivalent album units to date.—
Kevin Rutherford,
Billboard,
29 Apr. 2025
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Its silhouette is classic, with clean lines leading the way and cheeky, girly bows breaking up the corset style of the vest.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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