take aback

phrasal verb

took aback; taken aback; taking aback; takes aback

Synonyms of take aback next

: to surprise or shock (someone)

—usually used as (be) taken aback

When I told him my answer, he seemed taken aback.

—often + by

He was taken aback by her answer.

Examples of take aback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Harry, who's wearing a bodycam to capture his honest reaction, is noticeably taken aback before he's distracted by another scary element: a zombie-like werewolf that emerges from a nearby door and scares both him and Fallon. —

Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024 While Balvin kept up with social media posts and appearances, privately he was taken aback. —

Leila Cobo, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2024 Many members of staff were taken aback by the design, which struck some as ominous and lacking in creativity. —

Kali Hays, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2024 Chen Moonves was seemingly taken aback by the resounding cheers from the audience upon her return. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take aback

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take aback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.