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
Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
According to City Manager Scott Peterson, the reasoning behind CoreCivic’s abrupt about-face on the application has nothing to do with a change in the company’s vision for entering into a contract with ICE to house hundreds of rounded up immigrants.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
Much of the speculation behind the about-face was tied to concerns about package pileups as customs officers would be ill-equipped to process and inspect a flurry of goods that didn’t previously require the attention.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2025
That about-face, which has yet to be discussed at a public meeting, is deeply regrettable.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Noun
The sudden about-face has raised questions by ethics experts about the revolving door between regulators and the industry – a door one state lawmaker wants to shut behind Trombetta.
—Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
According to City Manager Scott Peterson, the reasoning behind CoreCivic’s abrupt about-face on the application has nothing to do with a change in the company’s vision for entering into a contract with ICE to house hundreds of rounded up immigrants.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
Much of the speculation behind the about-face was tied to concerns about package pileups as customs officers would be ill-equipped to process and inspect a flurry of goods that didn’t previously require the attention.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2025
That about-face, which has yet to be discussed at a public meeting, is deeply regrettable.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-face
Noun
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The reversals of the Biden-era lawsuits mark the beginnings of a broader effort by Trump administration officials to attempt to tighten their grip on federal elections.—
Ashley Oliver,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2025
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German diplomatic missions abroad are unable to influence the reversal of a denial of entry.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the days after the summit, the downtown reverted back to a filthy equilibrium.—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
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The provisions would also require continued coverage if a patient’s BMI drops below 35, as long as a doctor certifies that stopping the drug would likely cause the patient’s BMI to revert above that threshold.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Each glass lens pivots open to reveal an intimate space that the city is now using to host mini coffee shops, art studios, bars, and cafés.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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That way, factories can quickly pivot no matter what happens: more tariffs, supply chain disruptions, or another unforeseen event.—
Laurent Belsie,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Mar. 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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But that all changed in 2021 when the NCAA rescinded its longstanding rule that prevented players from profiting off their name, image and likeness.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
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Earlier that year, the mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, rescinded a sister cities agreement with the fictitious nation days after holding a ceremony announcing the partnership.—
Mujib Mashal,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Moving away from her usual hairstyles, Rihanna opted for a straight midi-bob cut that curved in at the tips and rested on her shoulders.—
Teresa Romero Martínez,
Glamour,
22 Mar. 2025
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See the conservatory, the rose garden, the Great Lawn, and the Bayou Boardwalk that stretches out over the river and curves back toward land.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe.—
Summer Ballentine,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
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Iran’s Supreme Court later overturned Yasin’s death sentence on appeal, and his sentence was eventually set at five years.—
Madalena Araujo,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The stems of angel-wing, dragon-wing, and tuberous begonias bow down under the weight of the pendulous flowers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
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The baseball diamond, with a hard turf for wheelchairs, has begun to bow and crack.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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