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.

Smart said she was a little taken aback when she first learned how things would pan out for aging comic Deborah Vance and her mentee Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Logan says he was taken aback by the offer and promptly alerted his former employers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

When county clerk Brianna Lennon got an email in November saying a newly expanded federal system had flagged 74 people on the county’s voter roll as potential noncitizens, she was taken aback.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Although initially taken aback, Carrie soon decided that she would try and help, even if collecting the bike from her home was obviously no longer an option.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

They were herded to a large room with a high ceiling, and Moss was taken aback by how full it was.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro