1
: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2
: a reversal of direction
3
: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
about-face intransitive verb

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Vance’s about-face is a measure of how concerned the US – and the wider international community – became by the escalating conflict between the two nuclear powers. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025 The program is an about-face from Israel's earlier policy to withhold aid to pressure Hamas to free Israeli hostages. Daniel Estrin, NPR, 11 May 2025 Ono has long positioned himself as a progressive institutional leader, but his about-face on issues like diversity, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic leave some students and faculty wondering what kind of leader Ono promises to be. Ian Hodgson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025 To call the move an about-face is an understatement. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for about-face

Word History

Etymology

from the imperative phrase about face, from about entry 1 + face entry 2

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of about-face was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

about-face

noun
ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās
1
: a reversal of direction
2
: a reversal of attitude or point of view
about-face verb

More from Merriam-Webster on about-face

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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