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
Some of the Jupiter resident’s followers were slightly taken aback and, naturally, let their feelings known.
—
Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
The video’s impact was felt far beyond their immediate circle and Katie was taken aback by the responses online, especially from women who found solace in her mother’s perspective.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
While, erm, pleasuring himself in the shower, a fully naked and very drunk Sean is taken aback by a familiar face who enters his bathroom.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Spectators and commentators alike were taken aback as the incident unfolded due to the unreal farmer's tan of Phillips.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
The video’s impact was felt far beyond their immediate circle and Katie was taken aback by the responses online, especially from women who found solace in her mother’s perspective.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
While, erm, pleasuring himself in the shower, a fully naked and very drunk Sean is taken aback by a familiar face who enters his bathroom.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Spectators and commentators alike were taken aback as the incident unfolded due to the unreal farmer's tan of Phillips.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 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 22 May. 2025.
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