turnabout
Americannoun
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the act of turning in a different or opposite direction.
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a change of opinion, loyalty, etc.
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a reciprocal action; act of doing to someone exactly as that person has done to oneself or another.
Turnabout is fair play.
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a person who changes things; a radical.
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Chiefly British. merry-go-round.
noun
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the act of turning so as to face a different direction
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a change or reversal of opinion, attitude, etc
Etymology
Origin of turnabout
First recorded in 1590–1600; noun use of verb phrase turn about
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He requires them to appear before the public and deny that any meaningful turnabout occurred.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
That whiplash-inducing turnabout underpinned a stock upgrade at Cantor Fitzgerald.
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
This turnabout looks a lot like a concession to Jackson’s critiques.
From Slate ● Mar. 17, 2026
U.S. use of Ukraine-tested innovations marks a turnabout.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 7, 2026
“What if the rebels decide that turnabout is fair play? We need to care for them so they do not harm their British captives.”
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
