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.

At the start of Jeremy Vine's show on Radio 2 at midday, Vine said he was "taken aback by the story" and that he had "no further information" about it.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The man was clearly taken aback, some of the other patrons chuckling in surprise, the Dodger pulse of this town clearly resonating in a completely unusual fashion.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 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

The chorus of boos that greets Mr. Horner clearly takes him aback, as it does the drivers shown backstage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The prince seemed a little taken aback by the display in front of him, especially when half a peach landed on his shoe.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley