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.

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

"Even when I walked out the store, I was still a bit taken aback by it."

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Wijgaarts, 40, was taken aback, thinking they were just in Paris for a weekend getaway.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Karp was taken aback but told Barshay he wanted to do what was in the best interest of the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

She had already done a series of calculations, and if her parents had agreed to contribute at all she would have been taken aback.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng