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aback

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


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.

"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

Perkins said she had been taken aback by how expensive treatment can be and said she sympathised with those without insurance.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

“She was completely taken aback by it. She was like, ‘Wow, this is how it really is.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

When it debuted in March 2021, the health-focused Goop Kitchen had so many orders that even Paltrow was taken aback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The look that passed over the boy’s face then had taken Rollins aback.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo




Vocabulary lists containing aback


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