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 + by

He was taken aback by her answer.

Examples of take aback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

They are taken aback by these models. —James Somers, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2025

Another powerful woman with whom BE left a lasting impression is none other than former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose appearance on All The Smoke found its way into her 2025 book 107 Days, a moment of pride for Charlamagne, who was somewhat taken aback by the entry. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for take aback

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