take aback

phrase

Definition of take abacknext
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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Browse Nearby Words

take
take aback
take account of
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Cite this Entry

“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20aback. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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