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

This is a turnabout for the agency, which joined the Fed and the FDIC in January 2023, under the Biden administration, in issuing a general caution against banks partnering with digital asset businesses or offering related services. —Brady Dale, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025

September 5 details the network turnabout that eventually led to Democrat politicians hiring former ABC News producer James Goldston in 2022 to take on Arledge’s legacy and then arrange and fabricate the J6 Select Committee hearings for primetime consumption. —Armond White, National Review, 28 Feb. 2025

The turnabout has created a pleasing narrative for those aggrieved at scientific governance. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025

Daniel Webster, a leading expert on firearm policy at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, said the turnabout has been stunning. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turnabout

• turnabout is fair play

Rhymes for turnabout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout

Kids Definition

turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t 

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