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
Many internet users were equally as shocked and backed u/Specken_zee_Doitch for being so taken aback by this update, leading to almost 2,000 comments so far.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Chiklis said he was taken aback by the massive size of the stadiums around the area.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Which is why we’re so taken aback by what’s come out.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Fast forward to 2025, Snoop was taken aback that Lightyear included a character with two moms.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 26 Aug. 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.
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Chiklis said he was taken aback by the massive size of the stadiums around the area.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Which is why we’re so taken aback by what’s come out.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Fast forward to 2025, Snoop was taken aback that Lightyear included a character with two moms.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 26 Aug. 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 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share