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
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
Like everyone else driving around Little Havana Monday afternoon, Marlins starting pitcher Tyler Phillips was taken aback by the joyous energy of Scotland’s Tartan Army as 8,000 of their kilt-wearing, fun-loving fans made their way to loanDepot park for the Marlins game against the Texas Rangers.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
So some insiders have been taken aback by Chevalier’s powerful challenge, with polls suggesting a very close race.
—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Christine Terrisse,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Industry advocacy groups were taken aback.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
25 June 2026
Like everyone else driving around Little Havana Monday afternoon, Marlins starting pitcher Tyler Phillips was taken aback by the joyous energy of Scotland’s Tartan Army as 8,000 of their kilt-wearing, fun-loving fans made their way to loanDepot park for the Marlins game against the Texas Rangers.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
So some insiders have been taken aback by Chevalier’s powerful challenge, with polls suggesting a very close race.
—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 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 28 Jun. 2026.
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