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

Related Words

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
However, after re-scrutinizing the legislation, the court performed an about-face. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 In a striking about-face, Janza immediately announced that Slovenia would cancel its previous recognition of Palestine and move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 However, there was an about-face when security concerns prevented her and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from a full visit to Harry’s home country. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Overall, the slump in prices of gold models is an about-face from 2025, when those same 13 timepieces saw a 9 percent increase in price. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 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
  • Greg Baker | Afp | Getty Images South Korea's Kospi has staged a reversal from its latest rout, returning to bull-market territory as investors pile back into the country's semiconductor giants that dominate the index.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since CoreWeave stock fell after each of its previous five earnings reports, the reversal was significant.
    — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • The new mandate would likely cost billions of dollars and revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a system that takes more sailors to operate and is more difficult to maintain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, this bill does not immediately require the Angels to revert their name to the Anaheim Angels, but only if the parties reach a sale or lease of the stadium.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revert
Verb
  • On runway day, Naheim and Bryan have totally pivoted from their original designs.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After months of sharp clashes, the winners of Tuesday’s primaries are now pivoting for another round of battles against new challengers in the November election.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of pivot
Noun
  • The volte-face in transfer strategy is not necessarily negative.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Definition of volte-face
Verb
  • Penso rescinded the penalty and showed Evander a yellow card for simulation.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Education rescinded the fine in May 2025, and the Federal Trade Commission dismissed its remaining case months later after losing multiple court motions.
    — Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescind
Verb
  • The boats are flanked by cascading waterfalls, and mountains that appear to curve in on themselves.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curve
Verb
  • Rengifo came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning after Tatis challenged a strike call that was overturned for a walk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ominously, the order pledges federal pressure, including from the Justice Department, to push states into overturning their own vaccine mandates.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • The interactions between the two groups were lovely, as KiiiKiii bowed to their seniors and expressed their admiration to the XG members.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Their complaint states that the combined company will control 30 percent of movies that have earned $100 million-plus at the box office and have been bowed in 3,000 theaters for wide release.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of about-face for Spanish Speakers

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