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

The authority cited current and projected lake levels, near-average precipitation across the canal’s watershed and the water-saving measures in place at the locks as reasons for the about-face. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 The penultimate episode of Ted Lasso‘s comeback season, which nearly didn’t happen until its star’s about-face, is a lesson in how to move a plot along, and quickly. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face

Noun

Her husband also wrote a letter to the editor of the Tribune this month pleading for a reversal of the university’s decision.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Symptoms can be reversed with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug also known as Narcan.

— Diana Anos, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

In Tampa Bay’s 43-13 demolition of the Carolina Panthers, Young reverted to the form of his first two years with an offensive line that reverted, too.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
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

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

When McMillan & Wife, created by Leonard Stern, bowed in September 1971, Saint James had just turned 25 while Hudson was closing in on 46.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
The sequel to Godzilla Minus One doesn’t bow until next month, but Takashi Yamazaki is already getting the wheels in motion for his first major studio pic, Grandgear, securing the cast to lead that movie.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 26 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