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
The chief listened, taken aback as Ariel apologized for showing officers a fake ID.
—
Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 24 Oct. 2024
Stanton appeared taken aback when Cooper asked him why gas prices had risen in recent years.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024
As the tsunami of a possible Swift endorsement rose up following a posting the performer did on Instagram this week with a familiar looking silhouette, Frost now reveals he was taken aback at first.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2024
We were taken aback by the remarkable balance this dram strikes; a bargain between sandalwood aromas, creamy vanilla textures, and a chili pepper palate.
—Brad Japhe, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take aback 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 24 Oct. 2024
Stanton appeared taken aback when Cooper asked him why gas prices had risen in recent years.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024
As the tsunami of a possible Swift endorsement rose up following a posting the performer did on Instagram this week with a familiar looking silhouette, Frost now reveals he was taken aback at first.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2024
We were taken aback by the remarkable balance this dram strikes; a bargain between sandalwood aromas, creamy vanilla textures, and a chili pepper palate.
—Brad Japhe, Forbes, 20 Oct. 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 12 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share