The phrase "about ship" commonly refers to turning a ship so that it faces in the opposite direction. However, there are a variety of synonyms for this phrase that can be used in different contexts. For example, some may use the term "about face" to signify a human turning around quickly and facing the other way. "Reverse course" is another potential synonym, indicating the decision to head in the opposite direction. Some may use nautical terms such as "tack" or "jibe" to describe this movement. Ultimately, the synonym used will depend on the setting and the audience, as well as the desired tone and level of formality.