ABOUT-FACE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

about-face 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās

Definition of about-face

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

Relevance

about-face

2 of 2

verb

as in to revert

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in to pivot

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

straighten

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

Slowly, the buck did an about-face and headed down the treeline, looking back only once before disappearing. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 Trump’s about-face on vaccines The president thrust controversial vaccine policy matters back into the spotlight on Monday. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face

Noun

However, Bernstein pointed out that even if the global AI trade weakens, India is unlikely to see any major reversal of foreign capital flows.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The move represents a reversal for the governor, who last year vetoed legislation to require data centers to report water use and expressed support for the facilities that serve artificial intelligence platforms.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Fazio predicted that over time, the public benefits charge will revert back to being a cost for customers, amounting to around 15% to 20% of most residential electricity bills.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Their research also finds that concentration has historically tended to mean-revert across most sectors, supporting the case for reducing exposure to the market’s largest holdings.

— Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

The looming question is whether European leaders, institutions, and citizens can pivot swiftly enough so that the bloc can use its economic heft to take responsibility for its own security.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Though Netflix had already been making waves by disrupting the movie rental business, pivoting to streaming turned the company into a powerhouse that posed a threat to traditional cable services.

— Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 20 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

Unlike the organization’s surprise vote in May to rescind support of the funding agreement, Wednesday’s meeting and decision was short and expected.

— DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Artistic but flighty, Deborah ends up at her parents’ alma mater when an unfortunate incident gets her NYU Tisch School of the Arts acceptance rescinded.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of rescind

Verb

Eichler’s micro-neighborhood, spread over a high ridge near the geographic center of the city and overlooking Glen Canyon Park, is mostly composed of compact lots along curving streets.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Chase Meidroth hit a long fly down the left-field line that curved foul during a third-inning at-bat Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

His appellate legal team has been aggressively searching for any and every legal avenue that would overturn the judge’s sentence, nullify the jury’s guilty verdict, or even discredit the very criminal law that Combs was prosecuted under.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Knauss also shared photos of the devastation from the hurricane, which showed chairs overturned in the sanctuary and pools of water that damaged every corner of the facility.

— Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

Over the past 15 years, Da Vittorio has expanded to key international cities, from Saint Moritz, which opened in 2012, to Shanghai, which bowed in 2019.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
The film continues a strong bond between two-time Oscar winner Pitt and Paramount, with their survival thriller Heart of the Beast bowing next weekend.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of bow

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about

about-face

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Style

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of about-face

noun

verb

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