Examples of aback in a Sentence
completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving
Recent Examples on the Web
But the script’s unhurried reveal took me aback: What starts as an intriguing period drama set in the Jim Crow–era South curdles into a chilling showdown.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
However, Devin’s very taken aback by her desire for a prenup.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Clients were unaware of her schemes for years, though Ms. Barasch noted in court documents that Ms. Schiff’s spending on herself sometimes took her aback; she was struck when Ms. Schiff ran up a bill of $32,000 at Loewe in Paris, for things like $573 leggings and $953 jeans.
—Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
The audience’s reaction and engagement have taken us all aback.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aback
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
However, Devin’s very taken aback by her desire for a prenup.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Clients were unaware of her schemes for years, though Ms. Barasch noted in court documents that Ms. Schiff’s spending on herself sometimes took her aback; she was struck when Ms. Schiff ran up a bill of $32,000 at Loewe in Paris, for things like $573 leggings and $953 jeans.
—Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
The audience’s reaction and engagement have taken us all aback.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aback
Cite this Entry
“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aback. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aback
adverb1
archaic
: back entry 2 sense 1, backward
2
: by surprise : unawares
taken aback by the turn of events
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share