Synonyms of aback

aback

adverb

ə-ˈbak 

as in suddenly

without warning

completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suddenly
• unexpectedly
• unaware
• unawares
• abruptly
• all of a sudden
• off base
• unanticipatedly
• short
• surprisingly
• amazingly
• astoundingly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slowly
• tardily
• leisurely
• sluggishly
• obviously
• laggardly
• pokily

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of aback

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

Not all of them will necessarily fall under the legislation, and any can challenge their inclusion, but the breadth of platforms Inman Grant was considering took some Australians aback and confused others. — Belinda Luscombe, Time, 8 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing aback

• take aback