take aback
phrasal 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
The fox was taken aback by the small bird’s candour.
—
Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025
Caleb Followill, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Kings of Leon, was taken aback by how quickly Bryan works.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
Mike seems taken aback by Nina’s stony resistance.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Gardner was also taken aback by the news, which happened at the trade deadline, but his initial reaction was more positive.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025
Caleb Followill, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Kings of Leon, was taken aback by how quickly Bryan works.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
Mike seems taken aback by Nina’s stony resistance.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Gardner was also taken aback by the news, which happened at the trade deadline, but his initial reaction was more positive.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
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 29 Nov. 2025.
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