turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce turnabout (audio)
Synonyms of turnaboutnext
1
a
: a change or reversal of direction, trend, policy, role, or character
b
: a changing from one allegiance to another
c
: turncoat, renegade
d
: an act or instance of retaliating
turnabout is fair play
2
: merry-go-round

Synonyms of turnabout

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Examples of turnabout in a Sentence

employees regarded the latest turnabout as a sure sign that management hadn't a clue as to what it was doing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Abbott’s campaign season turnabout on data centers doesn’t seem to have soothed many. — Marc Levy, Fortune, 23 July 2026 So why, Ghosh wonders, are such rapid turnabouts so rarely present in the genre? — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Abbott tries to soothe concerns Abbott’s campaign season turnabout on data centers doesn’t seem to have soothed many. — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 The jump in oil prices over recent weeks marked a turnabout for crude costs, which account for a large share of the price of auto gasoline. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turnabout

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnabout was in 1710

Phrases Containing turnabout

Rhymes for turnabout

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Browse Nearby Words

turn a blind eye
turnabout
turnabout is fair play
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Cite this Entry

“Turnabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnabout. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turnabout

noun
turn·​about ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce turnabout (audio)
: a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite

More from Merriam-Webster on turnabout

Nglish: Translation of turnabout for Spanish Speakers

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