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
As soon as someone seems too taken aback by my not drinking, they are ruled out.
—
Brianna Heath, Essence, 16 June 2025
Any’s brother and his wife seem taken aback, while her aunt’s mouth sits agape.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 30 May 2025
Even lawmakers who’ve been around Springfield a long time were taken aback at the audacity of Senate President Don Harmon slipping a provision into a broader elections reform bill that would have gotten his campaign off the hook for a potential penalty well into the millions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
They were especially taken aback when fans started playing practical jokes related to the show, some of which went a little too far.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Brianna Heath, Essence, 16 June 2025
Any’s brother and his wife seem taken aback, while her aunt’s mouth sits agape.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 30 May 2025
Even lawmakers who’ve been around Springfield a long time were taken aback at the audacity of Senate President Don Harmon slipping a provision into a broader elections reform bill that would have gotten his campaign off the hook for a potential penalty well into the millions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
They were especially taken aback when fans started playing practical jokes related to the show, some of which went a little too far.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 9 June 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 28 Jun. 2025.
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