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 swift about-face marks a stunning defeat for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had championed a plan announced on Tuesday to create a commercial venture to capitalize on its tournaments — including the World Cup and the Club World Cup. — Rafael Nam, NPR, 31 July 2026 In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, Billie Eilish discussed the about-face she’s made on her international stardom. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 However, after re-scrutinizing the legislation, the court performed an about-face. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 In a striking about-face, Janza immediately announced that Slovenia would cancel its previous recognition of Palestine and move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face

Noun

Behind the numbers One factor behind the decline in overdose deaths may be wider availability of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
Herzog’s fiction narratives haven’t been nearly as successful as his documentaries for some time now, which is a reversal from the early years.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Marathon Petroleum, YTD Cyclical (or mean reverting) businesses look cheapest at the top as P/Es fall on record earnings.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of revert

Verb

That led City to pivot to Ndiaye, so while their preferred move did not get done, they were not left entirely empty-handed.

— Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Many journalists had to pivot on 9/11, moving from traditional morning-news programming to rolling crisis coverage.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pivot

Verb

Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Earlier this month, the WNBA rescinded a technical foul called against Caitlin Clark, sparing her from what would have been a automatic one-game suspension for her eight technical of the season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of rescind

Verb

But plenty of long-range computer models continue to show a future for the system, most as a tropical storm headed west toward the Caribbean, although plenty also show a potential track that curves north of Puerto Rico.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Several other curved, slender bones were soon found nearby, according to pictures shared with the station.

— Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

But if the stay is lifted or overturned, USPS would require states to submit lists of mail ballot recipients and get approval for envelope and ballot designs with individualized barcodes.

— Peter Weber, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Bans can last five to 10 years, and some have been successfully overturned in court, lawyers say.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

And Vermelho Lagoa—a second property from Louboutin and his team due to bow around the same time—marks an expansion of their vision for the region.

— Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Standing in a holding pen for inmates, wearing orange jail attire, Holdo looked back at Savery almost admiringly, at times bowing his head.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of bow

Browse Nearby Words

about

about-face

about-faced

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“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of about-face

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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