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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.

BP directors and company outsiders were at times taken aback by how assured Manifold seemed even before he had met with business heads, people familiar with the discussions said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

After the destruction of the Verona fire, Teller was taken aback by the support from neighbors and even his competition in the beekeeping business.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

The scourge of the royals recently has been Andrew Lownie, author of the book that revealed so much Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and he was taken aback by a "brilliant speech".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 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

He was taken aback by the sudden turn in mood.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor




Vocabulary lists containing aback


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