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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Recent Examples of about-face
Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
In 2014, the leagues began a remarkable about-face.
—Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Ads, in fact, represent one of the biggest about-faces for Netflix, given that choosing to go down this road required the company building an entirely new infrastructure — from ad tech and measurement tools, to sales teams and advertiser relationships.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Hobbs said there has been an about-face in how the Supreme Court has worked to protect and ensure the rights of everyone.
—Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
In New Zealand, about 60 percent of voters opposed the country’s about-face.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
In 2014, the leagues began a remarkable about-face.
—Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Ads, in fact, represent one of the biggest about-faces for Netflix, given that choosing to go down this road required the company building an entirely new infrastructure — from ad tech and measurement tools, to sales teams and advertiser relationships.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Hobbs said there has been an about-face in how the Supreme Court has worked to protect and ensure the rights of everyone.
—Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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In a true Hollywood reversal of fortune that could end up in a recount or in court, Nithya Raman has taken the number #2 spot over Spencer Pratt for the November run-off.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
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The labor union representing city police is also lobbying for a reversal of cuts that would eliminate four officer positions and two leadership positions.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The testing also showed that after a time, the chromium reverted back to nontoxic form.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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How registration rates work The cut will temporarily revert tab fees to pre-2024 levels, though individual savings will depend on a vehicle’s value and age.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Verb
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But if the team endures a significant slide between now and the August trade deadline, Cashman could decide to pivot on his decision to stand pat in the slugger replacement market.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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The community leader who began flagging that potential conflict of interest last Friday pivoted to the BPDA vote this week, framing it as suspect, given that it was recorded three days after Weber was appointed chair of the Council’s Ways and Means committee by Council President Liz Breadon.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
10 June 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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Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Davidson, Monroe, Cornelius, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville and the Metropolitan Transit Commission representatives all voted to rescind and could shoulder the cost.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
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Last fall, the NCAA rescinded a plan that would have allowed its athletes to legally bet on professional sports while maintaining its prohibition on athletes’ college sports wagers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 June 2026
Verb
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South Side Walk A long stretch of the Outerbelt begins on the South Side, runs through Jackson Park, past Steelworkers Park, and over the Calumet River before curving southwest out of Chicago.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
12 June 2026
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Matter recommends deep purple Violetta and curving Shuko for their colorful, sculptural look.—
Blythe Copeland,
Martha Stewart,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Juan Soto's apparent homer leading off the ninth was overturned due to fan interference, sending Soto to second with a double.—
CBS New York Team,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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In the second half, Team USA scored again, after receiving two yellow cards, one of which overturned.—
Zuri Primos
June 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Verb
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According to reporting by The New York Times, protesters accuse Kenyan officials of bowing to Trump at the expense of allowing a deadly virus into the country, accepting Americans that America itself refuses to take in.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
12 June 2026
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The boat slid downstream, the water creating a lane lined with lily pads and gently bowing water grass.—
John Bowe,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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