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aback

[uh-bak] / əˈbæk /
ADVERB
taken unawares
Synonyms


Example Sentences

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An invitation brings a smile to your face, but the fact that you were taken aback by the sender of the invite created just enough friction in the process to give you pause.

From MarketWatch Aug. 4, 2026

His mask had slid off, and Amundson was taken aback by how young he was.

From Slate Jul. 27, 2026

During his run, he said, he was taken aback by sights such as a North Korean raising a poodle’s paw to wave at runners.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 8, 2026

After the destruction of the Verona fire, Teller was taken aback by the support from neighbors and even his competition in the beekeeping business.

From Los Angeles Times May 29, 2026

I was so taken aback that all I could do was blink at him.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt




Vocabulary lists containing aback


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