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
John Liu, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
So why the sudden about-face on China?
—Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
Zelenskyy, who has far-reaching wartime presidential powers and still enjoys broad approval among Ukrainians, was forced into a rare political about-face when his attempt to bring NABU and SAPO under the control of his prosecutor-general sparked the first nationwide protests of the war.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2025
The move will bring 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, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Verb
To him, the policy about-face only reflects the importance of having a wholly homegrown chip supply chain.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
So why the sudden about-face on China?
—Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
Zelenskyy, who has far-reaching wartime presidential powers and still enjoys broad approval among Ukrainians, was forced into a rare political about-face when his attempt to bring NABU and SAPO under the control of his prosecutor-general sparked the first nationwide protests of the war.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2025
The move will bring 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, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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But Morgan Stanley’s Clapp viewed the merger reversal as a potential catalyst for Kraft Heinz.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
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The shift marks a radical reversal in one of the biggest mass migrations in the world.—
Megan Janetsky,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The president has similarly hinted at soon reverting the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the name the Cabinet’s military department bore from 1789 until 1947.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
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After issuing its conclusion on Thursday, the DOE gave Denver Public Schools the opportunity to revert the all-gender restrooms back to ones separated by gender or risk further enforcement actions.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Once a livestock farmer, Ackerman pivoted the family land to pumpkins back in the ‘80s, after commodity prices crashed and a couple of droughts wreaked havoc on the industry.—
Katherine Laidlaw,
HubSpot,
5 Sep. 2025
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Tesla's board earlier this year approved an interim compensation package for Musk worth about $29 billion in restricted stock, designed to keep him at the helm through at least 2030 as the company pivots to an AI-first strategy.—
Akash Sriram,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 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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The Department of Transportation is also considering rescinding a rule that requires airlines to disclose service fees upfront.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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Biggs said by phone Thursday that the company had called Mike Jabo, Porter County’s director of development & storm water management, to rescind its application for the nearly 800-acre development planned for two parcels.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Along the Corniche—a sweeping waterfront promenade curving around the bay—traditional dhows drift past a shimmering skyline of minarets and sculptural skyscrapers.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Here, miles away from the nearest public road, a small canyon carves into curving limestone.—
Eva Frederick,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An outside hearing examiner overturned the December dismissal of Matthew Krueger, saying there was no cause to support any disciplinary action, according to a Facebook post by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
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The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.—
Rachel Wallace,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
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David Michôd directs the film, which will bow at the Toronto International Film Festival.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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