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
Sara Carton was taken aback at Ben Mezzenga's response at the altar.
—
Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Bambi was initially taken aback, but gladly accepted the proposal.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
Even the Kremlin, somewhat taken aback by the speed of events, has publicly taken note.
—Matthew Chance, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
Pfeiffer was taken aback by how many people related to her thoughts.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take aback
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Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Bambi was initially taken aback, but gladly accepted the proposal.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
Even the Kremlin, somewhat taken aback by the speed of events, has publicly taken note.
—Matthew Chance, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
Pfeiffer was taken aback by how many people related to her thoughts.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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