turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t 

1

a

: a change or reversal of direction, trend, policy, role, or character

b

: a changing from one allegiance to another

c

: turncoat, renegade

d

: an act or instance of retaliating

turnabout is fair play

2

: merry-go-round

Synonyms

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• flip-flop
• reversal
• turnaround
• U-turn
• volte-face

Examples of turnabout in a Sentence

employees regarded the latest turnabout as a sure sign that management hadn't a clue as to what it was doing

Recent Examples on the Web

But the turnabout didn't entirely make clear what happens next. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025

Ironically, this evening is a complete turnabout that promotes gentle, warm, loving energy with others. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025

But that longstanding status quo has now been shaken — a turnabout for Hezbollah that has opened a new political chapter in Lebanon. —Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Pakistan’s frustrations with the Taliban represent a sharp turnabout. —Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turnabout

• turnabout is fair play

Kids Definition

turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t 

: a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite