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
While speaking with Fox News Digital, Henry explained that he is sometimes taken aback by the accuracy of his readings.
—
Ashley Hume, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
But the three-time Norris Trophy winner was among those who were a bit taken aback that Quinn was given only two years to lead the Sharks, given the team’s rebuilding state.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education — which represents 1,600 universities and colleges — said many of his members were taken aback by the abruptness of the action.
—Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Viewer Reactions Heartbroken and taken aback at how skinny Llyod looked, the video brought in more than 987,000 views and 85,600 likes as of Tuesday.
—Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
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.
Ashley Hume, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
But the three-time Norris Trophy winner was among those who were a bit taken aback that Quinn was given only two years to lead the Sharks, given the team’s rebuilding state.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education — which represents 1,600 universities and colleges — said many of his members were taken aback by the abruptness of the action.
—Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Viewer Reactions Heartbroken and taken aback at how skinny Llyod looked, the video brought in more than 987,000 views and 85,600 likes as of Tuesday.
—Liz O'Connell, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
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 15 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share