as in suddenly
without warning
completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving
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Recent Examples of aback
What has taken me aback, though, is the Trump administration’s openness about how much oil is driving its policies toward Venezuela.
—
Aaron Coy Moulton, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Rather than getting tied to the likes of a large heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the new Bliss 8 is designed to ride aback smaller, nimbler 4x4 chassis like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Series.
—New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025
Related Stories Saarinen has been voicing similar concerns for years – but the latest development still took him aback.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Rodgers took some players aback by his just-one-of-the-guys approach.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aback
Aaron Coy Moulton, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Rather than getting tied to the likes of a large heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the new Bliss 8 is designed to ride aback smaller, nimbler 4x4 chassis like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Series.
—New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025
Related Stories Saarinen has been voicing similar concerns for years – but the latest development still took him aback.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Rodgers took some players aback by his just-one-of-the-guys approach.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
Adverb
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Retirement often arrives suddenly and unexpectedly, triggered by health setbacks or corporate downsizing.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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But with $350 off, this suddenly becomes a much better option!—
Carlos Mejia,
PC Magazine,
20 June 2026
Adverb
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If emotions surface unexpectedly, breathe by the sink or window, and speak softly to yourself before answering anyone.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
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Things begin to shift when Ollie Armstrong, the popular yet quietly struggling captain of the football team, unexpectedly joins her cause.—
Sarah Kate Ellis,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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