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
Yet given the remarkable strength of the Raiders’ schedule and the competition atop the AFC West, such an about-face is unlikely for Las Vegas this season, no matter whom the Raiders add at this time of year. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The swift about-face marks a stunning defeat for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had championed a plan announced on Tuesday to create a commercial venture to capitalize on its tournaments — including the World Cup and the Club World Cup. — Rafael Nam, NPR, 31 July 2026 In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, Billie Eilish discussed the about-face she’s made on her international stardom. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 However, after re-scrutinizing the legislation, the court performed an about-face. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 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
  • The first sign that El Niño is developing is a weakening, or even reversal, of the tropical Pacific trade winds.
    — Steven Paton, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • In a role reversal, some children have become their parents' protectors.
    — Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • The lease limits what can be built on the site and once the agreement is complete, ownership reverts back to the Spanglers.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The prices later reverted after public polling continued to show Paxton leading, the report also found.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of revert
Verb
  • The labor law, which had expired July 1, would have required companies to significantly increase goat herder pay, which businesses and their advocates in the agriculture industry warned could lead to companies shutting down or pivoting to sheep.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, Hamlin pivoted to Hocevar’s team, Spire Motorsports, questioning why the team hasn’t tried to tame Hocevar’s aggressiveness.
    — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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 September, Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that a review ordered during President Joe Biden’s administration had been completed and the medals would not be rescinded.
    — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026
  • When the district refused to scrap those policies, the agency rescinded the unrelated federal grants.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescind
Verb
  • The uppers dipped low at the sides, while the pump’s heel curved inward before widening slightly at its base.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The foreground object can warp the fabric of spacetime in such a way that the light's path is curved.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of curve
Verb
  • The pork producers group has also intensively lobbied for legislation called the Save Our Bacon Act, which would overturn the state laws.
    — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026
  • It was overturned by the Automatic Ball-Strike System, and Stewart struck out to end the threat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • Clancy’s father, seated in the second row directly behind his daughter, leaned forward and bowed his head.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories While onstage before his new film bowed on the first night of the serene Colorado festival, Haigh seemed faintly astonished to be there at all.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bow

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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 Sep. 2026.

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