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.
“She was completely taken aback by it. She was like, ‘Wow, this is how it really is.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
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
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
“I’m okay,” Stephanie said as my mom let her go, a little taken aback by her show of affection.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
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Vocabulary lists containing aback
The Diary of Anne Frank
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Just Mercy
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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