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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:

Posting social media fliers for free, I was taken aback when 80 people of all levels and backgrounds signed up for my first session, from ages 14 to 90.

From Salon Aug. 24, 2026

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

She says she was "completely taken aback" when she was told women who are part of a couple can get three rounds of IVF on the NHS but single women are not entitled to any.

From BBC Jul. 5, 2026

Harry, who had expected Lupin to deny that he’d done any such thing, was taken aback.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling




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