U-turn

noun

ˈyü-ˌtərn How to pronounce U-turn (audio)
Synonyms of U-turnnext
1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Synonyms of U-turn

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Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
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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.
Amid significant injuries and a dramatic transfer U-turn involving Chelsea, the general consensus on Julio Enciso’s ability seems to have been clouded. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 The truck was last seen leaving the area of the shooting and making a U-turn onto northbound 291 Highway. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Palal also argued the shooting was premeditated, pointing to testimony and Davis’ accounts that the group searched for Shakur before spotting him on the road and making a U-turn. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 At times, the car felt like a mobile command center, with members of the team being dispatched via Signal and quick decisions sending the car into a U-turn. — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for U-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

Rhymes for U-turn

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Browse Nearby Words

U-tube
U-turn
UV
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Cite this Entry

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

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