as in suddenly
without warning
completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aback
But the script’s unhurried reveal took me aback: What starts as an intriguing period drama set in the Jim Crow–era South curdles into a chilling showdown.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
However, Devin’s very taken aback by her desire for a prenup.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
The audience’s reaction and engagement have taken us all aback.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
The southern hospitality took Alabama football’s new offensive coordinator aback.
—Matt Stahl | Mstahl@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aback
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
However, Devin’s very taken aback by her desire for a prenup.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
The audience’s reaction and engagement have taken us all aback.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
The southern hospitality took Alabama football’s new offensive coordinator aback.
—Matt Stahl | Mstahl@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
Adverb
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The potential for a bounce-back is here, with a healthy McAvoy and Lindholm, but there’s also considerable concern that this group is far more exposed with the team’s suddenly very porous look up front.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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One can listen to the laughter suddenly drop away as the tone turns serious — knowing that at any moment violence may break out.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The album sometimes does fit that description—especially on the relatively strong, if unexpectedly downcast, opening three songs.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
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The new Fair Oaks restaurant and an upcoming Roseville eatery are housed in units formerly filled by Chando’s Tacos — which shut down unexpectedly in July — with two other restaurants slated for Davis and Elk Grove.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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