as in reversals
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
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-faces
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Chapek chapter and previous succession about-faces that saw presumed heirs-apparent like Tom Staggs leave the company were blemishes on Iger’s otherwise strong record.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-faces
Noun
-
Beckett’s patter of repetitions and reversals—as the tape is rewound, replayed, and punctured by Krapp’s speech in the present—resembles Lerner’s technique.—
Hannah Gold,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The reversals have created uncertainty in Tokyo, where officials are now trying to interpret, what will Trump say next?—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The final rule reverts the industry to standards first established in 2012 by the Obama administration that have reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90%.—
Michael Phillis,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This gradually pivots the narrative toward the possible culprits in the form of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), an organization in Europe and North America branded a right-wing terrorist group by the FBI.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The closures come as Amazon pivots its focus to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Markets in the next few years, the company said in a news release.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Duncanville first baseman Madison Lee (7) rounds second base with enthusiasm after igniting Panthers players and fans by hitting a grand slam home run during the top of the 3rd inning of play against Waxahachie.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Elena Anaya rounds out the singular cast.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Confrontational immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities where mayors and governors fought him in federal court.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Even as change sweeps through Austin, many SXSW spots felt timeless — like the big public concerts at Lady Bird Lake, or the Red River venue Cheer Up Charlies, with its outdoor stage framed by a 30-foot-high limestone embankment, creating a cave-band vibe.—
Thor Christensen,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The choice reverses The Comeback’s gaze.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Deputies gave him several doses of Narcan, a medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, and began CPR, the sheriff’s office said.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In doing so, the memoir arcs outward, moving from a personal reckoning with gender towards an open-ended, existential understanding for readers to grasp on their own.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Salah arcs his run to shut off the pass from centre-back Josko Gvardiol to left-back Nico O’Reilly.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The film bows in Berlin’s Perspectives section.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Inside, surrounded by butter lamps and intricate iconography, even my skeptical husband bows before the Buddha.—
Shunali Khullar Shroff,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-faces.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-faces. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
