Thesaurus results for TAKE ABACK

take aback

phrase

Definition of take aback

as in surprise

to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected Everyone was taken aback by her sudden anger. The family seemed taken aback by the overwhelming generosity of their neighbors.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for take aback

take by surprise

Phrase

For these reasons, Atletico were in no way taken by surprise by Alvarez becoming the centre of attention, even before the transfer window opened.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Notable In his The Midterms, Actually newsletter, Astead Herndon looked at why both parties were taken by surprise by the data center backlash.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of take by surprise

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.

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take

take aback

take account of

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“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20aback. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of take aback

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