About-face — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās/

Meaning & Definition of About-face

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 (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: about-turn (British), flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart
    related: bait and switch, switcheroo, denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, reconsideration, retreat, second thought, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

About-face (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in backtrack, revert

    similar: backtrack, countermand, revert, abrogate, annul, overturn, repeal, rescind, revoke, strike down, reverse, switch
    opposite: maintain, support, uphold

  2. as in pivot

    similar: pivot, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curve, hook, round, sweep, wheel, circle, coil, curl, loop, spiral, skew, slew, turn, twist, wind, break, cut, sheer, swerve, veer, yaw, zag, zig, weave, zigzag, deviate, stray, wander, waver
    opposite: straighten

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for About-face

The most common words with a similar meaning to About-face:

British: about-turn
flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart, backtrack, countermand, revert, abrogate, annul, overturn, repeal, rescind, revoke, strike down, reverse, switch, pivot, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curve, hook, round, sweep, wheel, circle, coil, curl, loop, spiral, skew, slew, turn, twist, wind

Antonyms & Opposite Words for About-face

Words with the opposite meaning of About-face:

maintain, support, uphold, straighten

Related Words for About-face

bait and switch, switcheroo, denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, reconsideration, retreat, second thought, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Word Forms of About-face

Derived words: about-face (intransitive verb)

Origin & Etymology of About-face

from the imperative phrase about face, from about:1 + face:2

First known use: 1835

Frequently Asked Questions about About-face

What does "About-face" mean?

"About-face" means a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "About-face"?

Other words for "About-face" include about-turn, flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face and change of heart. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "About-face" you intend.

What are different ways to say "About-face"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "About-face". Common alternatives include about-turn, flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart, backtrack and countermand.

What is the opposite of "About-face"?

Antonyms of "About-face" include maintain, support, uphold and straighten.

How do you use "About-face" in a sentence?

Examples of "About-face" in a sentence: "the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters".

Is "About-face" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"About-face" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "About-face"?

"About-face" is pronounced /ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās/.

What is the origin of the word "About-face"?

"About-face" comes from from the imperative phrase about face, from about:1 + face:2. First known use: 1835.