about-face
noun
ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās 
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
Synonyms
- about-turn [British]
- flip-flop
- reversal
- turnabout
- turnaround
- U-turn
- volte-face
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
from the imperative phrase about face, from about entry 1 + face entry 2
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1
about-face 1 of 2
noun
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- reversal
- turnabout
- about-turn
- turnaround
- volte-face
- change of heart
- denial
- U-turn
- flip-flop
- disavowal
- switcheroo
- retraction
- renunciation
- recantation
- reconsideration
- bait and switch
- hesitation
- repudiation
- vacillation
- disaffirmance
- disownment
- indecision
- second thought
- wavering
- irresolution
- retreat
- wobbling
- shilly-shallying
- wabbling
about-face
2 of 2verb
1
as in to rescind
Synonyms & Similar Words
- rescind
- reverse
- backtrack
- overturn
- revert
- annul
- countermand
- repeal
- revoke
- abrogate
- strike down
- switch
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- support
- maintain
- uphold
2
as in to pivot
Synonyms & Similar Words
- pivot
- bow
- curve
- round
- arch
- arc
- sweep
- bend
- hook
- crook
- spiral
- circle
- loop
- twist
- turn
- wind
- slew
- wheel
- coil
- skew
- swerve
- zigzag
- curl
- sheer
- cut
- slue
- waver
- deviate
- yaw
- veer
- zag
- zig
- break
- stray
- weave
- wander
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- straighten
- redemand
- redemandable
- redemanded
- redemanding
- redemands
- redemonstrated
- redemonstrates
- redemonstrating
- redemptible
- redemption
- redemptioner
- redemptioners
- Redemptionist
- redemptionists
- redemptions
- redemptive
- redemptor
- redemptorial
- Redemptorist
- redemptorists
- redemptory
- redemptress
- redemptrices
- redemptrix
- redenied