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 Victor explains that his family had not taught the dog how to use the doorbell camera, so they were taken aback when Buddy used the device like a pro. —

Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024 Loading your audio article SAN JOSE — When Long Pham visited Vietnam in 2011, he was taken aback to see a local police officer commit an abuse of power. —

Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024 Music industry veterans are taken aback by Swift’s ability to be giant and intimate onstage. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 31 July 2024 Trending on Billboard The judges were clearly taken aback by Wilson’s unexpected song choice and undeniable talent. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 10 July 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.