ABOUT-FACE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

about-face 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās

Definition of about-face

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

about-face

2 of 2

verb

as in to revert

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in to pivot

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

straighten

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of about-face

Noun

Whiplash doesn’t quite cut the stark about-face in cultural consensus that eventually paved the way for season 2, premiering this November. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 But in a surprising turn of events, Woods did an about-face, appearing in court Wednesday for a change-of-plea hearing. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 One of the most notable about-faces on screens is a new initiative from American Airlines. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Slowly, the buck did an about-face and headed down the treeline, looking back only once before disappearing. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face

Noun

The reversal of fortune prompted network executives to grouse that the Emmys had become a three-hour commercial for streaming services.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
The decision marks a dramatic reversal, after Ethiopian and Eritrean forces united in fighting the TPLF during the previous conflict.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Airlines can revert some Maxes to the older software version.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Just after Sky announced its greenlight earlier this year, Banijay and Sony entered a rights dispute revolving around Banijay believing the TV and film rights had reverted back to them since The Girl in the Spider’s Web movie aired.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

Lumbering wooden doors are pivoted open to reveal the breezy hotel lobby and create a view with layers of water, first the still ornamental pools, then the main central pool and finally the glowing Caribbean sea.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Successfully pivoting hasn’t always been easy, especially considering what happened at Mara Hoffman.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pivot

Noun

Love was unclear on the reasons for her volte-face, but speculated that Sky had failed to convince Bake Off stars like Paul Hollywood to make the switch.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
The volte-face in transfer strategy is not necessarily negative.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of volte-face

Verb

Earlier this year, the administration rescinded the 2009 Endangerment Finding, claiming the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

— Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, helping paving the way for the latest step in drawing closer to the current government.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of rescind

Verb

The space seamlessly flows into a dining area and a custom kitchen outfitted with curving cabinetry, stainless steel shelving, Caesarstone countertops, a contoured island, and a breakfast nook.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Designed by Behar Font & Partners, the building’s curving silhouette and glass façade evoke the slender form of a tulip blossom.

— Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

The bankruptcy filing comes months after the Sacramento County Board of Education overturned Twin Rivers Unified’s decision to revoke the charters, and the district appealed that ruling to the California State Board of Education.

— Chaewon Chung Updated October 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
In September, Wagner heard arguments on Yust’s motion to overturn his convictions.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of overturn

Browse Nearby Words

about

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Style

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of about-face

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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