Synonyms of volte-face

volte-face

noun

ˌvȯlt-ˈfäs 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reversal
• about-face
• turnabout
• change of heart
• about-turn
• turnaround
• flip-flop
• U-turn
• denial
• disavowal
• renunciation
• retraction
• recantation
• switcheroo
• reconsideration
• hesitation
• disaffirmance
• repudiation
• disownment
• vacillation
• bait and switch
• second thought
• indecision
• irresolution
• wavering
• retreat
• wobbling
• shilly-shallying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of volte-face

Another meeting was scheduled for next week with the club’s media team and, though Pereira has experience of working with Marinakis previously at Olympiacos in Greece, the whole volte-face appears to have completely caught him out. — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 1 July 2026

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

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

The policy volte-face is another blow to Thailand’s nascent cannabis industry after decriminalization was pitched as a way to boost agricultural income and wellness tourism. — TIME, 10 May 2024

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