taken 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.
An invitation brings a smile to your face, but the fact that you were taken aback by the sender of the invite created just enough friction in the process to give you pause.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026
His mask had slid off, and Amundson was taken aback by how young he was.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
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
"Don't put me in the same category as those two!" says Jay Lovell, taken aback as his name is mentioned in the same breath as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.
From BBC ● May 16, 2026
I sat in these meetings, engrossed and somewhat taken aback by the fact that I knew so little about military life.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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