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
Which is why we’re so taken aback by what’s come out.
—
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Fast forward to 2025, Snoop was taken aback that Lightyear included a character with two moms.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2025
But one mom recently dropped her 9-month-old daughter off at a new daycare and was taken aback by a necklace worn by the teacher in charge of the infant room.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 25 Aug. 2025
An employee who joined Sotheby’s around this time was taken aback by the state of the offices at the York Avenue headquarters.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Fast forward to 2025, Snoop was taken aback that Lightyear included a character with two moms.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2025
But one mom recently dropped her 9-month-old daughter off at a new daycare and was taken aback by a necklace worn by the teacher in charge of the infant room.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 25 Aug. 2025
An employee who joined Sotheby’s around this time was taken aback by the state of the offices at the York Avenue headquarters.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share