aback

adverb

ə-ˈbak 

1

archaic : backward, back

2

: in a position to catch the wind upon the forward surface (as of a sail)

3

: by surprise : unawares

was taken aback by her sharp retort

Synonyms of aback

• suddenly
• unexpectedly

Examples of aback in a Sentence

completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Not all of them will necessarily fall under the legislation, and any can challenge their inclusion, but the breadth of platforms Inman Grant was considering took some Australians aback and confused others. —Belinda Luscombe, Time, 8 Oct. 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

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aback

• take aback

Rhymes for aback

• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

aback

adverb

ə-ˈbak 

1

archaic : back entry 2 sense 1, backward

2

: by surprise : unawares

taken aback by the turn of events