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.

Logan says he was taken aback by the offer and promptly alerted his former employers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

When county clerk Brianna Lennon got an email in November saying a newly expanded federal system had flagged 74 people on the county’s voter roll as potential noncitizens, she was taken aback.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Although initially taken aback, Carrie soon decided that she would try and help, even if collecting the bike from her home was obviously no longer an option.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Wijgaarts, 40, was taken aback, thinking they were just in Paris for a weekend getaway.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

He could not understand why Ron looked taken aback.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling