taken aback
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His mask had slid off, and Amundson was taken aback by how young he was.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
"She was a bit taken aback and said, 'Darling, nuns can't wear pretty clothes'. So I said, 'Well, I'll be an actress then.'"
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
"He thought of a hospital as one that could treat both people and animals," Kelemework explains, adding that he was taken aback by the response to his nephew's kindness.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
BP directors and company outsiders were at times taken aback by how assured Manifold seemed even before he had met with business heads, people familiar with the discussions said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Whenever something big happens we’re quite taken aback, but no one else is the least bit surprised.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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