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

After three seasons of tanking, winning only 50 of 246 games during that span, Washington will undertake an almost complete about-face. — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2026 Still, the latest hike marks an about-face from the Fed's stance at the start of the year, when inflation was cooling, and as many economists expected the central bank to lower interest rates throughout 2026. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face

Noun

The 2018 tailspin had followed a massive momentum crescendo and reversal several months earlier, which gave way to an erratic tape that couldn't absorb what seemed at the time relatively unthreatening Federal Reserve tightening actions.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
In Georgia, Wesley’s Law, championed by Laura and Larry Gay after their son’s death, required public schools to stock overdose-reversal medication such as naloxone.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Rollback plans should account for data changes and financial transactions; reverting application code alone may not reverse a financial consequence.

— Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The decision reverts Missouri’s congressional map to what was used in 2022 and 2024 until voters approve or reject the new map in November.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

Ars previously talked with one US robotics distributor that has pivoted from importing China’s humanoid robots to opening a US manufacturing facility for robots.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Looks like Heidi Klum may have to pivot her Halloween costume plans last minute to keep up with the trend.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 23 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

The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
The fines could be rescinded if the coaches avoid sideline outbursts for the rest of the season, as the league calls for more civil interactions between coaches, players and officials.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of rescind

Verb

Where the Duo has curved edges and a distinct D-like appearance, the Z Fold 8 is strictly rectangular with sharp edges all around.

— Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

Yet those strengths may not be enough to overturn the structural advantages enjoyed by Moscow and Beijing, said experts.

— Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Bolsonaro also called for amnesty for his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest after being found guilty of plotting a coup to overturn his defeat in the 2022 election.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

On October 26, 2001, writer-director Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko opened in theaters following its Sundance Film Festival bow early in the year.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
As Calzada read the letter on stage, Richardson, dressed in light blue, Noel’s favorite color, stood in the audience with his head bowed as tears rolled down his cheeks.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of bow

Browse Nearby Words

about

about-face

about-faced

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of about-face

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes