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
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Recent Examples of about-face
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2025
Hear a financial planner’s top three tips But even after Trump’s about-face, the reality remains stark: Economists said the economic damage is done, and many say there is still an elevated risk of a US and global recession.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
The reason for this about-face was that Baker’s boss, President George H. W. Bush, had decided that the best way to secure Moscow’s approval of German unification was not to place limits on NATO.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Trump defended his about-face on tariffs as a sign of his flexibility.
—Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
Weekend Update was full of zingers about President Donald Trump‘s rapid about-face in the wake of the stock market crash his global tariffs spurred.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2025
Hear a financial planner’s top three tips But even after Trump’s about-face, the reality remains stark: Economists said the economic damage is done, and many say there is still an elevated risk of a US and global recession.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
The reason for this about-face was that Baker’s boss, President George H. W. Bush, had decided that the best way to secure Moscow’s approval of German unification was not to place limits on NATO.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Trump defended his about-face on tariffs as a sign of his flexibility.
—Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversal played out at the closed board meeting, the person and Dreyer, who listened to the meeting over Zoom, said to The Bee.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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His defensive stance provided a massive cushion for Berkshire as President Donald Trump’s stunning tariff rollout and reversal triggered roller-coaster price swings in the market.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Cosmetic risks include asymmetry, visible scars, and ribs that revert back to their original position (mainly from improper corset use, experts say).—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
10 Apr. 2025
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When her innie reverts back to Gemma, the two enjoy a passionate kiss in the elevator before transforming into Ms. Casey and Mark S., and the intimate moment becomes awkward.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Alas, there are no signs of any shrewd pivoting by this ideologically blinkered mayor.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
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Less than two years after the Memphis Grizzlies brought in Marcus Smart, coveting his leadership, not just his on-court abilities, the franchise pivoted at this season's trade deadline.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.—
London Business School,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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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
Verb
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Many of these barriers are anticompetitive rules, similar in effect to the federal anticompetitive regulations that the Administration seeks to rescind.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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At a lengthy hearing on Friday, attorneys on both sides argued over whether Hochman had the right to rescind his predecessor’s request, and whether the brothers are truly rehabilitated.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Concave tiles, which curve inward, and convex tiles, which curve outward, are installed at different levels along the seawall.—
Sara Pezeshk,
The Conversation,
16 Apr. 2025
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After completing Slither Housing in 2000, an angular yet gently curved 105-unit apartment building in Japan’s Gifu prefecture, the husband-and-wife team increasingly turned its attentions to cultural architecture.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The decision overturned a lower court ruling that had required their reinstatement, supporting Trump's efforts to downsize the federal workforce.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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He was released after a court overturned his 40-year sentence for the kidnapping and killing of Camarena.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Worshippers clad in black bowed their heads in prayer and lit votive candles to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.—
Fatma Khaled,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
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Since Locarno, the film had its North American premiere at the Los Angeles Festival of Movies earlier this month, then bowed on the East Coast at New Directors/New Films.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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