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
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department’s about-face revealed a major fracture in antitrust enforcement.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
If nothing else, the decision, revealed by the Raiders on their X account and yet to be explained publicly by anyone associated with the Ravens, has triggered plenty of skepticism around the league, and that only grew with Baltimore’s quick about-face to Hendrickson.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Collegiate Consulting then did an about-face on social media, posting to X the following morning that the firm stood by its original figures.
—Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
Pearl then did an about-face after Miami’s loss to UMass in their opening game of the MAC Tournament.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department’s about-face revealed a major fracture in antitrust enforcement.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
If nothing else, the decision, revealed by the Raiders on their X account and yet to be explained publicly by anyone associated with the Ravens, has triggered plenty of skepticism around the league, and that only grew with Baltimore’s quick about-face to Hendrickson.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Collegiate Consulting then did an about-face on social media, posting to X the following morning that the firm stood by its original figures.
—Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
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The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That also means that either reverting BIOS settings or performing an OS reset is possible.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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The Huskers took a brief pause from their doldrums to summon up a home win against Minnesota only to revert back to losing, dropping four more in a row.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Fans may be confused by the finale, which pivots on a disclosure that’s bound to be common knowledge for viewers (and should already be recognized by the characters, too).—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
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But the account term won't be so lengthy, either, as to prevent savers from pivoting their savings strategy by the fall, when market conditions may have stabilized.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 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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Others called it a performative move that contrasts with the EPA’s recent regulatory actions, including a rollback of mercury emissions standards, rescinding drinking water limits for certain PFAS and delaying Biden-era restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
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Prosecutors didn't give a reason for rescinding their notice to seek the death penalty, but in a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office broadly explained how the process works.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Arbat might even derive from gorbat (hunchback), because the road curved in and around streams.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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On the exterior of a white-walled building with a curving roof—a production facility where steel parts for the company’s eponymous pistol are manufactured—hung an enormous billboard.—
Simon Akam,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Barcelona defender Gerard Martín was sent off in the second half but the decision was overturned by video review.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Segal had seven of 10 ABS challenges overturned that day.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film bowed in competition at the Berlinale and opened the Hong Kong International Film Festival.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2026
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With his head bowed and gaze fixed, the golden retriever looks less like a pet on a routine car ride and more like a main character in a melancholy music video.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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