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
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
They are taken aback by these models.
—James Somers, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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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
They are taken aback by these models.
—James Somers, New Yorker, 6 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 18 Nov. 2025.
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