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
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Recent Examples of about-face
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said.
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Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
Altman’s apparent about-face comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry.
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Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
26 May 2026
In New Zealand, about 60 percent of voters opposed the country’s about-face.
—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
Then, on Monday night, the district appeared to do an about-face on its initial directions via an email to principals.
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Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said.
—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
Altman’s apparent about-face comes at a pivotal moment for the AI industry.
—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
26 May 2026
In New Zealand, about 60 percent of voters opposed the country’s about-face.
—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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Suffering a reversal of fortune, Watson Taylor turned out to be unable to pay for the commission and sold the work in 1821 through Phillips auction house.
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The market experienced a reversal session, with AI leaders and data center infrastructure buildout stocks falling while software and the hyperscalers rebounded.
Verb
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The effect hasn’t mean-reverted.
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These returns do not revert in subsequent trading days and are orders of magnitude larger than those outside the 24-hour pre-FOMC window.
Verb
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If there’s a port disruption or a spike in tariffs, companies can pivot to alternative textile mills.
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But Boom has also pivoted away from its main goal in recent months to produce natural gas turbines to power AI data centers.
Noun
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This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
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The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face.
Verb
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While the policy was voluntarily rescinded in 2021 after a surge of migrants had overwhelmed border crossings, the government now has the ability to reinstate it if necessary.
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The practice of limiting the number of people who can claim asylum was rescinded by the Biden administration.
Verb
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His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
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In the final minute of stoppage time to end the first half, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi curved his free kick right in front of the goal, seemingly just one perfect touch away from a goal.
Verb
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Tuesday’s ruling means the regulations cannot take effect unless the decision is overturned on appeal.
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Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.
Verb
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France coach Didier Deschamps bowed when his star came to the bench after he was substituted in the 85th minute.
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An adventure bowing to higher authority, raising yourself above nothing and no one.
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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