as in reversals
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-faces
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Chapek chapter and previous succession about-faces that saw presumed heirs-apparent like Tom Staggs leave the company were blemishes on Iger’s otherwise strong record.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The video then about-faces towards a utopia where people have toed the left-wing climate change line and saved the planet.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
As Alexandra Plakias has noted, philosophical about-faces should not scandalize us; they should be honored.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about-faces
Noun
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The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
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As Ullrich put it, the trend in the labor force participation gap shows no post-recession bounce, no cyclical correction, no historical parallel to prior reversals.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But Indiana's growth is projected to slow significantly in the coming decades as natural increase — births outnumbering deaths — gradually reverts into natural decrease.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Tuesday announcement also reverts the organization of the office to focus on external IT coordination, instead of also overseeing Health and Human Services’ internal use of technology.—
Brittany Trang,
STAT,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Founder James van Geelen said persistently high energy prices risk weighing on consumers and corporate earnings, creating a backdrop where stocks struggle even as the Federal Reserve eventually pivots toward rate cuts.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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This gradually pivots the narrative toward the possible culprits in the form of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), an organization in Europe and North America branded a right-wing terrorist group by the FBI.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Duncanville first baseman Madison Lee (7) rounds second base with enthusiasm after igniting Panthers players and fans by hitting a grand slam home run during the top of the 3rd inning of play against Waxahachie.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Elena Anaya rounds out the singular cast.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During their brief stay in Earth orbit — and during Orion's days-long transfer to lunar space — the crew will witness the waning gibbous phase, as the line separating night from day sweeps right-to-left across the moon's surface.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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His suite in the World Trade Center is cavernous, with a view that sweeps from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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February 22 The Department of Homeland Security initially suspends both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck but reverses course on the TSA PreCheck suspension hours later.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
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The new announcement reverses that change, putting those offices and some cybersecurity functions back under the office of the chief information officer.—
Brittany Trang,
STAT,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In doing so, the memoir arcs outward, moving from a personal reckoning with gender towards an open-ended, existential understanding for readers to grasp on their own.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
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Salah arcs his run to shut off the pass from centre-back Josko Gvardiol to left-back Nico O’Reilly.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The film bows in Berlin’s Perspectives section.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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Inside, surrounded by butter lamps and intricate iconography, even my skeptical husband bows before the Buddha.—
Shunali Khullar Shroff,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“About-faces.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-faces. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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