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
Taken aback by Gavriel’s fiery outburst, Yair asks in disbelief, “why can’t we live side by side in peace?”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 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
Log-a-Log and the shrews were taken aback when Matthias ran ahead of them, shouting at the top of his voice, “Warbeak Sparra, thatta you, old worm warrior!”
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Vocabulary lists containing aback
The Diary of Anne Frank
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Just Mercy
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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