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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Example Sentences
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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.
—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.—
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German diplomatic missions abroad are unable to influence the reversal of a denial of entry.—
Verb
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In the days after the summit, the downtown reverted back to a filthy equilibrium.—
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After experimenting with ballerina nails (also known as coffin nails) Gomez reverted back to her signature long almond shape.—
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.—
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Landmark, once the go-to chain to launch independent films, fell on hard times as did many during Covid, was strapped for cash and pivoted to add big studio fare to its lineup.—
Noun
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Britain is not the only country pressed into making a volte-face.—
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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.—
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.—
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In the very first days of his second term, Donald Trump immediately rescinded executive orders that had lowered the cost of insulin and other prescription drugs, enhanced the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and strengthened protections for Medicaid enrollees.—
Verb
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The most recent of the roadway fatalities took place about 7:45 a.m. Monday, when a westbound Ford SUV veered off a curving stretch of Gopher Canyon Road in Bonsall and crashed into a ditch near Valley of the King Road, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.—
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The connection to contemporary art also informs the design of the bottle, which was inspired by the curving landforms of Charles Jencks’ Cells of Life at Jupiter Artland.—
Verb
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Missouri banned almost all abortions in 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe.—
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Endangerment would require overturning a U.S. Supreme Court decision.—
Verb
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The stems of angel-wing, dragon-wing, and tuberous begonias bow down under the weight of the pendulous flowers.—
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The baseball diamond, with a hard turf for wheelchairs, has begun to bow and crack.—
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about-face. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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