What does "about-face" mean?
An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
About-face
/əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
- Grammar: about-face is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: reversal, about turn, about-turn, abrupt turn.
- Useful contrasts: consistency, continue ahead, continuity.
- Usage evidence: The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
How to use "about-face"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "about-face" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "about-face" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "about-face" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "about-face" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reversal" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "about-face", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
"The soldier did an about-face and marched off."
- 2 a major change in attitude or principle or point of view wordnet
- 3 A reversal in direction; a reversal of attitude or opinion. figuratively
"When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy."
- 4 act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation wordnet
Verb
- 1 To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction. intransitive
"The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given."
- 2 change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint wordnet
- 3 To change opinion or attitude drastically.
"A politician will about-face at the drop of a hat if he thinks there are votes in it."
- 4 turn, usually 180 degrees wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The soldier did an about-face and marched off."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "about-face"?
Common synonyms include: reversal, about turn, about-turn, abrupt turn, accommodation, adaptation.
How do you use "about-face" in a sentence?
The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
How do you pronounce "about-face"?
Pronounced /əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs/.
Etymology
From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military.