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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of about-face
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
In the meantime, the about-face on the Epstein files is splintering MAGA world, and many Trump allies are feeling betrayed and unmoored.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Proponents of in-office work were also dismayed by Newsom’s about-face.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
What could be the justification for this about-face?
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Verb
Democrats jumped on the Epstein bandwagon after some of Trump’s most influential allies refused to heed his pleas to move on, seeing a political opening in Trump’s dramatic about-face.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
In the meantime, the about-face on the Epstein files is splintering MAGA world, and many Trump allies are feeling betrayed and unmoored.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Proponents of in-office work were also dismayed by Newsom’s about-face.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
What could be the justification for this about-face?
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversal served to infuriate Patrick, who presides over the Senate, and several lawmakers who accused Mindell of misleading them with his statements to the Finance panel.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Coenraads served as research director for seven years and demonstrated the first global reversal of symptoms in preclinical models in 2007.—
Maggie McGrath,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Now, those same bases are reverting back to their original names, this time with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames — the Army found other service members with the same last names to honor.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
28 July 2025
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After which, Too Much will revert back to cheerier Netflix mode.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
10 July 2025
Verb
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If Russia emerges weakened, some countries in eastern Europe and the Caucasus may pivot further toward the European Union and Turkey, while Central Asian states could pursue more balanced foreign policies to hedge among China, Russia, and other regional players.—
Da Wei,
Foreign Affairs,
29 July 2025
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Nigel’s pivoted to a cushy television judge post, having spent half a decade cultivating a reputation as the cruelest judge on America’s Next Top Designer.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.—
London Business School,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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The realities of Putin’s momentum, coupled with Washington’s volte-face, have led to a clear mood shift in Kyiv.—
Daryna Mayer,
NBC News,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Hamilton County commissioners rescinded a previous Paycor Stadium lease agreement and approved a revised version one day later.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
2 Aug. 2025
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The team can either keep the qualifying offer on the table or rescind it.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Enjoying an excellent day in front of a vociferous home support at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the 36-year-old found himself in a spot of bother when his tee shot at the par-four 11th curved into the rough on the right of the fairway.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
19 July 2025
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Most storms that form off Florida’s east coast tend to track north or northeast along the Atlantic, often curving away from the U.S. mainland.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Later that year, under pressure from the restaurant lobby, the D.C. Council overturned it.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
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Despite its lack of popularity and the Supreme Court overturning affirmative action in 2023, white women benefited the most from affirmative action, receiving 63% of diversity and inclusion leadership roles over the time period it was administered.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
Verb
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Numerous media companies have bowed to Trump or appeared to soften their adversarial stance.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 July 2025
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Hall did not speak during his first court appearance Monday and kept his head bowed and his face hidden from view while remaining shackled and wearing a green vest mean to prevent him from harming himself.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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