as in suddenly
without warning completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of aback Glen Sitwell, a building manager who watched all of this play out from his corner office, said the aggressive posture of the agents took him aback. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
Adverb
  • Then the 23-year-old's plane suddenly dove straight into the ground and caught on fire.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Their unlikely friendship ended in February 1987, when Warhol died suddenly after a complicated gall bladder operation.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • While working on the project, costs ballooned unexpectedly—reaching well over six figures—and this doctrine became an important reminder when justifying the expenses.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The team proposes a few different mechanisms that could account for the unexpectedly rapid brightening of this comet from beyond the solar system.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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