Flip-flop — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈflip-ˌfläp/

Meaning & Definition of Flip-flop

Flip-flop (noun)

  1. the sound or motion of something flapping loosely
  2. a backward handspring
  3. a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)

Flip-flop (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite

    "the governor's frequent flip-flops would indicate that she has no core beliefs"

    similar: about-face, about-turn (British), 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

Flip-flop (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in yo-yo

    similar: yo-yo, equivocate, fudge, hedge, pussyfoot, tergiversate, waffle, weasel, dodge, duck, elude, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun, sidestep, skirt, bypass, circumvent, cavil, quibble, straddle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Flip-flop

The most common words with a similar meaning to Flip-flop:

British: about-turn
about-face, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart, yo-yo, equivocate, fudge, hedge, pussyfoot, tergiversate, waffle, weasel, dodge, duck, elude, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun, sidestep, skirt, bypass, circumvent, cavil, quibble, straddle

Related Words for Flip-flop

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 Flip-flop

Derived words: flip-flop (intransitive verb)

Origin & Etymology of Flip-flop

First known use: 1683

Frequently Asked Questions about Flip-flop

What does "Flip-flop" mean?

"Flip-flop" means the sound or motion of something flapping loosely. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the sound or motion of something flapping loosely. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Flip-flop"?

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

What are different ways to say "Flip-flop"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Flip-flop". Common alternatives include about-face, about-turn, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, change of heart, yo-yo and equivocate.

How do you use "Flip-flop" in a sentence?

Examples of "Flip-flop" in a sentence: "the governor's frequent flip-flops would indicate that she has no core beliefs".

Is "Flip-flop" a noun, verb, or adjective?

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

How do you pronounce "Flip-flop"?

"Flip-flop" is pronounced /ˈflip-ˌfläp/.

What is the origin of the word "Flip-flop"?

First known use: 1683.

What is another word for "Flip-flop" meaning "a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite"?

When "Flip-flop" (noun) means a changing from one policy or point of view to virtually its exact opposite, synonyms include about-face, about-turn, reversal, turnabout, turnaround and U-turn.