volte-face

noun

ˌvȯlt-ˈfäs How to pronounce volte-face (audio)
Definition of volte-facenext
as in reversal
a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite the novelist's unexpected volte-face from experimentalism to traditional narrative form

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 volte-face 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 Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face. — London Business School, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 The realities of Putin’s momentum, coupled with Washington’s volte-face, have led to a clear mood shift in Kyiv. — Daryna Mayer, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025 The policy volte-face is another blow to Thailand’s nascent cannabis industry after decriminalization was pitched as a way to boost agricultural income and wellness tourism. — TIME, 10 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for volte-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volte-face
  1. reversal
  2. 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
Noun
  • As for touch-screen controls, assuming this debuts, this will be a massive about-face for Apple, which for ages has shrugged aside the effectiveness and necessity of touch screens on laptops.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The White House and Vance’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his rhetorical about-face.
    — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of about-face

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

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