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
And he was taken aback by that.
—
Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Trantalis was taken aback by the news.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Lena Headey was taken aback by the place and the people.
—Brayden Garcia
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Natalie, a Waukegan High School junior, was both proud that the bear came from Mexico and taken aback by its size.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Trantalis was taken aback by the news.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Lena Headey was taken aback by the place and the people.
—Brayden Garcia
may 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Natalie, a Waukegan High School junior, was both proud that the bear came from Mexico and taken aback by its size.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 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 19 May. 2026.
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