Synonyms of about-facenext
1
: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2
: a reversal of direction
3
: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
about-face intransitive verb

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
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.
Canada meanwhile has made a complete about-face. Justin Worland, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 The Charlotte Hornets have done an abrupt about-face over the last 26 games, becoming a good and dangerous team in the middle of the Eastern Conference. Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Mahan, who made a name for himself by criticizing the governor on homelessness, found himself in the hot seat with Hilton, who mocked a recent interview in which Mahan praised Newsom’s progress in reducing homelessness at the state level, an about-face from earlier comments. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026 An about-face a few years down the line might look hypocritical in light of the new Super Bowl ad the company is releasing to highlight its announcement. Dominic Preston, The Verge, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Word History

Etymology

from the imperative phrase about face, from about entry 1 + face entry 2

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of about-face was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

about-face

noun
ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās
1
: a reversal of direction
2
: a reversal of attitude or point of view
about-face verb

More from Merriam-Webster on about-face

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