take aback
verb
took aback; taken aback; taking aback; takes aback
: to surprise or shock (someone)
—usually used as (be) taken aback
When I told him my answer, he seemed taken aback.
—often + byHe was taken aback by her answer.
Examples of take aback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Two days after the Phillips sale, Paul Boutros, the house’s deputy chairman and head of watches in the Americas, said even he was taken aback by the numbers.
—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
Algerian striker Riyad Mahrez was taken aback when he was told about the record after the match.
—
Pj Green,
Kansas City Star,
28 June 2026
Rocha says she was taken aback by Samuel’s professionalism.
—
Christine Terrisse,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Industry advocacy groups were taken aback.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
Algerian striker Riyad Mahrez was taken aback when he was told about the record after the match.
—
Pj Green,
Kansas City Star,
28 June 2026
Rocha says she was taken aback by Samuel’s professionalism.
—
Christine Terrisse,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Industry advocacy groups were taken aback.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
Cite this Entry
“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20aback. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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