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
When told Monday afternoon at practice that Redick said his play raises the ceiling of the Lakers more than any other player on the team, Ayton appeared to be taken aback by the outpouring of public praise from his coach.
—
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Joe Vostrejs was taken aback by the boathouse questioning.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Even Grohl seemed to be taken aback.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Counsell seemed to be taken aback by the question, or perhaps by my showing up to ask him a question.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Joe Vostrejs was taken aback by the boathouse questioning.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Even Grohl seemed to be taken aback.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Counsell seemed to be taken aback by the question, or perhaps by my showing up to ask him a question.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 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 10 May. 2026.
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