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
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Thursday’s vote to settle the case marks an about-face from a previous commission meeting earlier in the month.
—Tess Riski
february 26, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The about-face comes after Mamdani faced backlash for ending the sweeps days into his term, ahead of the freezing-cold stretch in January and February when several homeless New Yorkers died while out in the cold.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Canada meanwhile has made a complete about-face.
—Justin Worland, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
The initial move brought around 35 brands to Mexico for the first time, including Isima by Shakira, Peach & Lily, Orebella, Ulta Beauty Collection, Morphe, Bubble, about-face, Ouai, Half Magic and Kitsch.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Thursday’s vote to settle the case marks an about-face from a previous commission meeting earlier in the month.
—Tess Riski
february 26, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The about-face comes after Mamdani faced backlash for ending the sweeps days into his term, ahead of the freezing-cold stretch in January and February when several homeless New Yorkers died while out in the cold.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Canada meanwhile has made a complete about-face.
—Justin Worland, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversals highlights how the world’s biggest energy-importing region is being particularly hard hit by the war in the Middle East and the lack of access to oil and fuel from the Persian Gulf.—
Nicholas Lua,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Scholars such as the ethnomusicologist Michael Fuhr saw K-pop as a reversal of long-standing narratives, especially in pop music, that accentuated the flow of culture from West to East.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That decision was reversed last year, when Zaslav and Bloys decided to revert back to the HBO Max name to highlight the strength of HBO’s programming.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
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Besides, the new speed cameras produce most of their violations outside the pick-up and drop-off windows, when the speed limit reverts back to normal and any yellow lights should go dark.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Ravens pivoted, signing free agent Trey Hendrickson on March 11, the same day the league year officially began.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
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Manufacturers pivoted toward lower- and zero-silica formulations.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
17 Jan. 2026
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The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The board had until August to rescind its decision, according to the resolution.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
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In the letter, the ISBE rescinded its prior approval for the district’s food service management company contract with food vendor Quest, cutting off federal funding.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The gardens, landscaped in both French and English styles, are well kept-after and lush; the rooms feature curved high ceilings and bold washes of paint; the ornate 19th-century furniture is original to the chateau.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2026
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Near the Cabrillo Beach Bath House, the path will curve east.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Seda also said that more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with some overturning on the roadside and in parking bays.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
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Similar laws have been overturned by courts as an unconstitutional burden on voting rights.—
David A. Lieb,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One player, her head bowed, was seen being led to the bus by a teammate by her wrist.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
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Iran, meanwhile, has refused to bow down to Trump’s demands and has issued warnings of its own.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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