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
Iris is rightfully taken aback, and in her anger decides not to release Isaac.
—
Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
Supporters were taken aback by news of United’s willingness to countenance offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with Napoli and Chelsea both pursuing the latter.
—Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Even Hall of Fame athletes are taken aback by President Donald Trump's golf game.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025
Most prominently, discussions about the cost-of-living dominated, with many taken aback by the apparently cheap rent and cost of good quality groceries in China.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for take aback 
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Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
Supporters were taken aback by news of United’s willingness to countenance offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with Napoli and Chelsea both pursuing the latter.
—Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Even Hall of Fame athletes are taken aback by President Donald Trump's golf game.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025
Most prominently, discussions about the cost-of-living dominated, with many taken aback by the apparently cheap rent and cost of good quality groceries in China.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 18 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 6 Feb. 2025.
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