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 + by

He was taken aback by her answer.

Examples of take aback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Staff at Variety were taken aback by UTA’s fiery response to the story, and disputed Kramer’s characterization of Donnelly’s behavior towards UTA executives. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Parton was excited and taken aback by the new version of her song. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

The mayor added that he has been taken aback by the surge in public backlash against the facilities. — Alex Nitkin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Shook said he was taken aback because the defense had always expected Anthony to testify in support of his self-defense claim. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for take aback

• ammoniac
• biofeedback
• counterattack
• demoniac
• elegiac
• noncardiac
• paranoiac
• ack
• brack
• clack
• crack
• dak