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
The Schitt's Creek actor was taken aback by the royal’s mode of transportation in the episode, which aired in October.
—
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
The average internet user of 2016 might be taken aback by the joyful nihilism of 2026 memes—2016 wasn’t a particularly wholesome year, but there was a comparative innocence compared to today.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Or the Hoppin’ John, by which you might be taken aback seeing it on the dinner menu for $35.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026
He was taken aback by how early allergy season arrived in Nevada.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
The average internet user of 2016 might be taken aback by the joyful nihilism of 2026 memes—2016 wasn’t a particularly wholesome year, but there was a comparative innocence compared to today.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Or the Hoppin’ John, by which you might be taken aback seeing it on the dinner menu for $35.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026
He was taken aback by how early allergy season arrived in Nevada.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
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 25 Jan. 2026.
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