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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Recent Examples of about-face
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
The Toreros’ comeback was marked by a stunning second-half about-face by the defense, excellent play by their two quarterbacks and a fumble that was forced by a defensive lineman on the 16-year anniversary of his father’s death.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
The action is seen as an about-face from previous administrations, which thanks to a powerful health care lobby loosened restrictions on how drugmakers market and sell their products, leading to a boom in Big Pharma ads on television in recent decades.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 14 Sep. 2025
The botched Cracker Barrel rebrand and subsequent about-face has captivated Americans and highlighted social media's role in harnessing change.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Verb
The union’s support is an about-face from its previous, albeit unofficial, position.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
The Toreros’ comeback was marked by a stunning second-half about-face by the defense, excellent play by their two quarterbacks and a fumble that was forced by a defensive lineman on the 16-year anniversary of his father’s death.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
The action is seen as an about-face from previous administrations, which thanks to a powerful health care lobby loosened restrictions on how drugmakers market and sell their products, leading to a boom in Big Pharma ads on television in recent decades.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 14 Sep. 2025
The botched Cracker Barrel rebrand and subsequent about-face has captivated Americans and highlighted social media's role in harnessing change.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversal ends months of speculation about the future of one of Kansas City’s most celebrated fine-dining spots.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
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Doing so reveals a larger bearish formation that looks strikingly similar to the setup in mid-April — just before the market-wide reversal began.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If O'Connell were to revert back to the second-year quarterback as his starter, Minnesota would have McCarthy under center on the road against the Detroit Lions on November 2.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
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Trump quickly reverted back to Boston, before taking one final question in the Oval Office.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Microsoft reportedly wants to pivot the majority of its hardware manufacturing outside of China next year, a sign of the growing fracture between the Western and Chinese technology sectors.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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The fitting rooms, framed with a bow at the entrance, will be a luxury tent-like atmosphere providing ample space for try-ons and new, pivoting LED lights for better lighting when trying on clothes.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 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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Last summer, the president led an effort to secure congressional passage of legislation that rescinded all federal funding for public media, including stations, PBS and NPR.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
17 Oct. 2025
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The Delaware Court of Chancery ruled early last year that the 2018 pay plan had been improperly granted by the Tesla board and must be rescinded.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But on closer inspection, modern details emerge—the flush sundeck a top the boat, curved windows on the main deck and helm area, and, almost impossibly, a fold-out beach club at the stern.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
22 Oct. 2025
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The ethereal structure comprises 297 stainless steel panels that had to be carefully fitted together and integrated with the curving staircases, whose wood elements evoke a ship’s deck.—
Blane Bachelor,
AFAR Media,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Additionally, the letter calls on Congressional support for the European Union to overturn its ban on Sulfuryl Fluoride, a pesticide used to fumigate Southern Yellow Pine wood chips on breakbulk cargo ships.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
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The British Library overturned its initial decision by issuing Wilde’s proxy a new card in his name.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The two sparred in some rather heated exchanges over their career experience and policy ideas, while Republican Curtis Sliwa refused to bow to a pressure campaign from some in his party to exit the race.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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Her dark comedy about a mother and daughter’s grief journey bowed at Tribeca in June 2025 after a year earlier earning the 2024 Untold Stories Award at the script stage, and will now make its Portuguese premiere at Tribeca Lisboa.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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