turnabout

noun

turn·​about ˈtərn-ə-ˌbau̇t 
Synonyms of turnabout
1
a
: a change or reversal of direction, trend, policy, role, or character
b
: a changing from one allegiance to another
c
: turncoat, renegade
d
: an act or instance of retaliating
turnabout is fair play
2
: merry-go-round

Synonyms of turnabout

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Examples of turnabout in a Sentence

employees regarded the latest turnabout as a sure sign that management hadn't a clue as to what it was doing
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The turnabout led to a statewide recount that took weeks, cost more than $260,000 and ultimately reaffirmed Prosser's reelection. — Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The market’s message is often beguiling and inscrutable, with frequent overshoots and crowd-humiliating turnabouts that would be so satisfying to see coming in advance. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Abbott’s campaign season turnabout on data centers doesn’t seem to have soothed many. — Marc Levy, Fortune, 23 July 2026 So why, Ghosh wonders, are such rapid turnabouts so rarely present in the genre? — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turnabout

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnabout was in 1710

Phrases Containing turnabout

Rhymes for turnabout

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Browse Nearby Words

turn a blind eye
turnabout
turnabout is fair play
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Cite this Entry

“Turnabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnabout. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turnabout

noun
turn·​about ˈtər-nə-ˌbau̇t 
: a change from one direction or one way of thinking or acting to the opposite
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