about-turn

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈtərn How to pronounce about-turn (audio)
Synonyms of about-turnnext
British
: about-face

Synonyms of about-turn

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Examples of about-turn in a Sentence

more than one London newspaper accused the prime minister of doing an about-turn on the issue
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
First, a dramatic about-turn by the United States. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025 And while this about-turn is leading headlines today, the war in Iran continues to cast a shadow over the trip. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 13 May 2026 The specific reasons behind the about-turns are not clear, as both Iraq and Pakistan had earlier received approvals from Iran to transit the strait. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026 Also on March 10, a federal judge ruled that the department is required to make its records public, an about-turn for the agency that has been mired in secrecy, according to Forbes. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for about-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of about-turn was in 1893

Rhymes for about-turn

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Browse Nearby Words

about ship
about-turn
about uncirculated
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Cite this Entry

“About-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-turn. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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