about-face 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās How to pronounce about-face (audio)
Definition of about-facenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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about-face

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to revert

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to pivot

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of about-face
Noun
That pivot represents a rare about-face for a tech giant that has sought to remake the world in its own image, consumer happiness be damned. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026 As for touch-screen controls, assuming this debuts, this will be a massive about-face for Apple, which for ages has shrugged aside the effectiveness and necessity of touch screens on laptops. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 The White House and Vance’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his rhetorical about-face. — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026 Bearish analysts at Bank of America did an about-face on Salesforce — jumping over to the believers camp, where Jim Cramer has been all along in the face of artificial intelligence threats. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
  1. reversal
  2. revert
  3. pivot
  4. volte-face
  5. rescind
  6. curve
  7. overturn
  8. bow
Noun
  • And when Here There Are Blueberries does shift its lens the testimony of Auschwitz survivor Lili Jacob, also embodied by Cunningham, and an album of photos that depict the cruelty Höcker’s collection elides, the reversal stuns you.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
  • On Sunday, the reversal on Key's interception sparked the Broncos, who trailed 14-13 at the time, to yet another one-score win, this one breaking the Indianapolis Colts' record of 15 consecutive one-score victories set in 2008-09.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • If that challenge fails, the state could revert several laws that won at the ballot box.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • So Adelman reverted back to a two-stint sub pattern for Gordon this week.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of revert
Verb
  • The progressive Senator then pivoted to referencing an October report from Politico that found a Republican super PAC allegedly financially supported a socialist candidate.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The story still pivots around Morgan’s lovable doofus, but the emphasis is elsewhere.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of pivot
Noun
  • Love was unclear on the reasons for her volte-face, but speculated that Sky had failed to convince Bake Off stars like Paul Hollywood to make the switch.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The volte-face in transfer strategy is not necessarily negative.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of volte-face
Verb
  • In 1994, Defense Secretary Les Aspin rescinded the risk rule policy but kept in place the exclusion that barred women from serving in direct ground combat units below the brigade level.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • One was reportedly Pace Gallery founder Arne Glimcher, who threatened to rescind a plan to donate artworks upon his death if the Met moved forward with the Galliano show.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of rescind
Verb
  • Here, at the lonely eastern edge of Polynesia, the empty horizon seems to curve with the Earth itself.
    — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Verb
  • An 87th-minute apparent own goal for the Revolution was overturned after video review, with referee Sergii Boiko ruling Luca Langoni offside on the play.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • According to a police accident report from Saturday night’s fatality, witnesses told police that a vehicle traveling westbound on County Road 250 South reportedly disregarded a stop sign and struck Schultz’s vehicle, which overturned.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • His last collection bowed for spring 2027 in September in Milan.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Australia bowed to $918K ahead of Wild Horse Nine, but behind Ramayana and Godzilla Minus Zero.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of bow

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about-face
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Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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