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
Following a heated online spat between Pap, Remy and champion boxer Claressa Shields on Dec. 12, Joe gave his input on the situation and admitted he was taken aback by everything that unfolded.
—
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Feeling lucky enough to be so close already, the group of swimmers were taken aback when the beast swam up toward the surface, giving them a proper look at it.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
When a 16-foot, 3,000-pound mystery whale washed ashore on the South Island of New Zealand in July, even the world’s foremost cetacean experts were taken aback.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
But he’s taken aback when he’s asked to explain why such an old-fashioned tradition persists.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 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.
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Feeling lucky enough to be so close already, the group of swimmers were taken aback when the beast swam up toward the surface, giving them a proper look at it.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
When a 16-foot, 3,000-pound mystery whale washed ashore on the South Island of New Zealand in July, even the world’s foremost cetacean experts were taken aback.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
But he’s taken aback when he’s asked to explain why such an old-fashioned tradition persists.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 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 29 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share