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Definitions

taken aback









ADJECTIVE
surprised
Synonyms
Antonyms


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.

See Examples For:

She was taken aback when the second or third question was about how she viewed the eagles — and not, say, how she intended to manage the forest.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

He described how he was taken aback when he had an uninterrupted view of it at the top of stairs at the start of the exhibition.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

I still remember being completely taken aback by how good the food was.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

When foreigners come to his dealership, they are taken aback by the prices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 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




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