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
At City Hall, some were taken aback by Szabo’s presentation.
—
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Sofia is initially taken aback by the request to sing.
—Barry Levitt, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
Then, they were taken aback when Greg later RVSPed for two meals when only he had been invited.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The band, who reworked the Britpop anthem into a heavier, more atmospheric version, admitted they were taken aback by Gallagher’s positive response.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Sofia is initially taken aback by the request to sing.
—Barry Levitt, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
Then, they were taken aback when Greg later RVSPed for two meals when only he had been invited.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The band, who reworked the Britpop anthem into a heavier, more atmospheric version, admitted they were taken aback by Gallagher’s positive response.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
Cite this Entry
“Take aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20aback. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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