About turn is a phrase that is often used to describe a sudden change in direction. While this phrase is commonly used, it can be useful to have some synonyms at your disposal to avoid repetition. Some synonyms for about turn include U-turn, turnabout, reversal, flip-flop, and backtrack. U-turn is a word that is used to describe a sudden change in direction that can be 180 degrees. Reversal is another excellent word to use, particularly in political or legal contexts. Flip-flop is a more informal synonym, and it's often used when describing a sudden change in opinion or stance. Finally, backtrack is an excellent word to use when describing a return to a previous point.