about-face
noun
1
: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2
: a reversal of direction
3
: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
about-face
intransitive verb
Examples of about-face in a Sentence
the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
Recent Examples on the Web
The dispute involves the latest instance of the Trump Administration orchestrating a speedy and dramatic about-face by federal agencies on DEI policies, transgender rights and similar culture war issues.
—
Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The about-face came at the urging of a group of Democratic California lawmakers led by Sen. Adam Schiff, who decried plans from the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency to close USDA offices in Bakerserfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Mt. Shasta, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland and Yreka.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The United States’ about-face on Europe under President Donald Trump has come as a geopolitical and economic shock.
—Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
As advocates on both sides of the police accountability debate decipher what Trump's about-face means for those communities, some are now focusing on what his administration might do next as allies seek to redefine the summer of 2020.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
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Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The about-face came at the urging of a group of Democratic California lawmakers led by Sen. Adam Schiff, who decried plans from the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency to close USDA offices in Bakerserfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Mt. Shasta, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland and Yreka.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The United States’ about-face on Europe under President Donald Trump has come as a geopolitical and economic shock.
—Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
As advocates on both sides of the police accountability debate decipher what Trump's about-face means for those communities, some are now focusing on what his administration might do next as allies seek to redefine the summer of 2020.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for about-face
Cite this Entry
“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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