Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

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

Tom Griffin, whose 15-year-old son was asked to leave, said he was "taken aback" when he saw the sign and that teenagers had been "unfairly targeted".

From BBC • May 15, 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

Bod was taken aback: Silas had been here as long as he could remember and before.

From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "taken aback" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com