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 + by

He was taken aback by her answer.

Examples of take aback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hembree said she was taken aback by one parent’s comment that their kindergartner spent four hours on an iPad in class. — Julianna Mejia july 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Kelly seemed to notice me looking perhaps slightly taken aback. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Protesters were taken aback by the sight of the yacht, which at six stories was taller than neighboring buildings. — Colleen Barry, Fortune, 18 July 2026

That answer left me visibly taken aback on camera — and still unprepared for Elen Trosino. — Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Rhymes for take aback

• ammoniac
• biofeedback
• counterattack
• demoniac
• elegiac
• noncardiac
• paranoiac
• ack
• brack
• clack
• crack
• dak