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
McDavid is leading the NHL in scoring at the Olympic break with 96 points with MacKinnon just three points aback.
—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
Rather than getting tied to the likes of a large heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the new Bliss 8 is designed to ride aback smaller, nimbler 4x4 chassis like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Series.
—
New Atlas,
14 Nov. 2025
Related Stories Saarinen has been voicing similar concerns for years – but the latest development still took him aback.
—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
18 Sep. 2025
Rodgers took some players aback by his just-one-of-the-guys approach.
—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aback
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
Rather than getting tied to the likes of a large heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the new Bliss 8 is designed to ride aback smaller, nimbler 4x4 chassis like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Series.
—
New Atlas,
14 Nov. 2025
Related Stories Saarinen has been voicing similar concerns for years – but the latest development still took him aback.
—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
18 Sep. 2025
Rodgers took some players aback by his just-one-of-the-guys approach.
—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
Adverb
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Not because a new appendix deserves a barnstorming tour, or because county unemployment data has suddenly become beach reading.
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In some areas, the water may look shallow and calm yet drop off suddenly into deep pools.
Adverb
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One potential downside of RV travel is that mechanical issues can pop up unexpectedly, like with any vehicle.
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If lottery-caliber talent unexpectedly drops, Philadelphia could have a chance to make a call.
Cite this Entry
“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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