take aback
phrasal verb
took aback; taken aback; taking aback; takes aback
: to surprise or shock (someone)
—usually used as (be) taken aback
When I told him my answer, he seemed taken aback.
—often + byHe was taken aback by her answer.
Examples of take aback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tommy is taken aback — not so much by the Abby stuff, but by Buck’s sudden proposition.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
The employee, played by Mulaney, is taken aback when Davidson asks for a gallon of milk.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024
He was somewhat taken aback by Jamie Kennedy and Lillard's broad performances on the first day of shooting.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
You might be taken aback to see Trump even vaguely associating himself with the push to help families struggling to conceive.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback 
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.
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
The employee, played by Mulaney, is taken aback when Davidson asks for a gallon of milk.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024
He was somewhat taken aback by Jamie Kennedy and Lillard's broad performances on the first day of shooting.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
You might be taken aback to see Trump even vaguely associating himself with the push to help families struggling to conceive.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback
Dictionary Entries Near take aback
Cite this Entry
“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20aback. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share