Volte-face — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌvȯlt-ˈfäs/

Meaning & Definition of Volte-face

Volte-face (noun)

  1. a reversal in policy, about-face

Volte-face (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the novelist's unexpected volte-face from experimentalism to traditional narrative form"

    similar: about-face, about-turn (British), flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, 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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Volte-face

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

British: about-turn
about-face, flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, change of heart

Related Words for Volte-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

Origin & Etymology of Volte-face

French, from Italian voltafaccia, from voltare to turn + faccia face, from Vulgar Latin *facia volt, face

First known use: 1819

Frequently Asked Questions about Volte-face

What does "Volte-face" mean?

"Volte-face" means a reversal in policy, about-face. As a noun, it is defined as: a reversal in policy, about-face.

What is another word for "Volte-face"?

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

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

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Volte-face". Common alternatives include about-face, about-turn, flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn and change of heart.

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

Examples of "Volte-face" in a sentence: "the novelist's unexpected volte-face from experimentalism to traditional narrative form".

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

"Volte-face" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Volte-face"?

"Volte-face" is pronounced /ˌvȯlt-ˈfäs/.

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

"Volte-face" comes from French, from Italian voltafaccia, from voltare to turn + faccia face, from Vulgar Latin *facia volt, face. First known use: 1819.

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

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