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
Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Although this creates short-term pain for some, the about-face opens the door for job creation in more productive areas like manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, and hospitality.
—Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Colorado’s governor has not approved any of the program’s graduates for early release since 2023 — an about-face from the prior three years.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
But the about-face expands to a number of core MAHA issues — chemicals in food and the government’s relationship with industry among them.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
In the Supreme Court’s Louisiana ruling, the justices did an about-face from a decision in a similar case from Alabama less than three years ago that led to a new congressional map for the state that sent two Black Democrats to Congress.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Although this creates short-term pain for some, the about-face opens the door for job creation in more productive areas like manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, and hospitality.
—Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Colorado’s governor has not approved any of the program’s graduates for early release since 2023 — an about-face from the prior three years.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
But the about-face expands to a number of core MAHA issues — chemicals in food and the government’s relationship with industry among them.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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In a stunning reversal, the Justice Department filed a motion in February seeking to drop criminal charges against the two Venezuelan men.—
Ashley Killough,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
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And Counterpoint flagged a sales reversal in the sixth week after launch, which raises questions about whether Samsung’s numbers will continue to look this good in the coming weeks.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Any money remaining in the fund will revert back to the federal government, the department said.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
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Specifically, axolotl cells have an unusual ability to revert into a more flexible, developmental state after injury.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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That will allow you to pivot your savings strategy once the economy changes and the rate climate stabilizes again.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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The 4,305-square-foot location nestled in Via Signorelli — a 10-minute walk from the city’s ADI Design Museum — aims to house all the activities of the firm under one roof, as the company has pivoted its business following investment from Gyrus Capital last year.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Noun
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This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
17 Jan. 2026
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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.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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What did happen was that the Ravens rescinded the Crosby trade and immediately signed Hendrickson afterward.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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No explanation was given in McDonald’s court filings as to why the contract was rescinded.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Verb
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In fact, according to NOAA, only about a quarter of eastern Pacific hurricanes and tropical storms ever make landfall — most curve west and stay out at sea.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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High up on the curving walls to either side were large murals painted in the 1930s by the artist Barry Faulkner portraying Thomas Jefferson handing the Declaration to John Hancock and the ratification of the Constitution.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Turner wasted one of the Phillies’ two ABS challenges trying to overturn a strike-three call on a pitch firmly in the zone.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
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The verdict came after New York’s highest court in 2024 overturned his rape conviction in a landmark ruling that some called a referendum of the shortcomings of the #MeToo movement.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Verb
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An inspector can identify visible cracking, uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, and signs of bowing walls.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
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And across all networks, just six new shows bow in the fall — with most waiting for post-football homes.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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