as in reversal
a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite
the novelist's unexpected volte-face from experimentalism to traditional narrative form
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Recent Examples of volte-face
This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
—
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
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
Adding to his administration’s volte-face, Biden was on the verge of a big bang in the U.S.-Saudi relationship when Hamas derailed the effort with its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
—Dana L. Stroul, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.
—London Business School, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
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
Read More: How Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pushed Through Asia’s First Cannabis Legalization
Cannabis advocacy groups and businesses have voiced their opposition to the policy volte-face, staging rallies and threatening a legal challenge against the premier.
—Pathom Sangwongwanich / Bloomberg, TIME, 27 June 2024
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
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
Adding to his administration’s volte-face, Biden was on the verge of a big bang in the U.S.-Saudi relationship when Hamas derailed the effort with its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
—Dana L. Stroul, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.
—London Business School, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
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
Read More: How Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pushed Through Asia’s First Cannabis Legalization
Cannabis advocacy groups and businesses have voiced their opposition to the policy volte-face, staging rallies and threatening a legal challenge against the premier.
—Pathom Sangwongwanich / Bloomberg, TIME, 27 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volte-face
Noun
-
The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
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The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In a rare about-face, the move by Israeli police to block Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from the holiest site in Christianity was reversed after criticism.—
Sammy Westfall,
Washington Post,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped more than 1,100 points at its session high, marking an about-face from its sharp decline on Friday.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volte-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volte-face. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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