about-face 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās How to pronounce about-face (audio)
Definition of about-facenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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about-face

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to revert

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to pivot

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Dissimilar Words

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-face
Noun
However, after re-scrutinizing the legislation, the court performed an about-face. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 In a striking about-face, Janza immediately announced that Slovenia would cancel its previous recognition of Palestine and move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 However, there was an about-face when security concerns prevented her and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from a full visit to Harry’s home country. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Overall, the slump in prices of gold models is an about-face from 2025, when those same 13 timepieces saw a 9 percent increase in price. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
  1. reversal
  2. revert
  3. pivot
  4. volte-face
  5. rescind
  6. curve
  7. overturn
  8. bow
Noun
  • In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors, a move that would significantly lower energy consumption and cultivation costs — though home growers would be out of luck.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That reversal runs counter to the usual assumption that younger generations are more relaxed, more collaborative, and less judgmental about money than their parents were.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Marathon Petroleum, YTD Cyclical (or mean reverting) businesses look cheapest at the top as P/Es fall on record earnings.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of revert
Verb
  • Ehrenberg built the first phase of his career in Wall Street derivatives, then pivoted to venture investing.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • So the gangs pivoted to theft, focused on the rail hubs located in urban bottlenecks including Chicago, Los Angeles and Memphis, according to Bloomberg.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pivot
Noun
  • The volte-face in transfer strategy is not necessarily negative.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Definition of volte-face
Verb
  • Penso rescinded the penalty and showed Evander a yellow card for simulation.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Education rescinded the fine in May 2025, and the Federal Trade Commission dismissed its remaining case months later after losing multiple court motions.
    — Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescind
Verb
  • Several other curved, slender bones were soon found nearby, according to pictures shared with the station.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Thierry Henry curved away from defenders, Cristiano Ronaldo attacked their blind side and Kylian Mbappe outran them.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of curve
Verb
  • If Patterson's appeal succeeds, the judges could overturn her convictions and order a retrial.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Fierce debate raised the risks of the tax being overturned by the courts.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • The interactions between the two groups were lovely, as KiiiKiii bowed to their seniors and expressed their admiration to the XG members.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Their complaint states that the combined company will control 30 percent of movies that have earned $100 million-plus at the box office and have been bowed in 3,000 theaters for wide release.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of bow

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Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of about-face for Spanish Speakers

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