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
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
Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Your own brilliance could take you aback today.
—USA TODAY, 23 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for aback
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
Free Daily and Monthly Horoscopes Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Your own brilliance could take you aback today.
—USA TODAY, 23 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
Adverb
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Both sides agree that Iowa, long overlooked in national politics, is suddenly back in the spotlight.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
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Why anyone would want to suddenly have to deal with the issues of politics is beyond me.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Thomas Samson | Afp | Getty Images Heading into another vote of confidence next week, France now unexpectedly finds itself unfavorably compared to Italy, a country previously renowned for political upheaval and economic frailty.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
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The famed animal conservationist died after unexpectedly being attacked by a stingray.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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