aback

adverb

ə-ˈbak How to pronounce aback (audio)
Definition of abacknext
as in suddenly
without warning completely taken aback by the neighbors' announcement that they were moving

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of aback Related Stories Saarinen has been voicing similar concerns for years – but the latest development still took him aback. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025 McDavid is leading the NHL in scoring at the Olympic break with 96 points with MacKinnon just three points aback. — Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026 Not all of them will necessarily fall under the legislation, and any can challenge their inclusion, but the breadth of platforms Inman Grant was considering took some Australians aback and confused others. — Belinda Luscombe, Time, 8 Oct. 2025 Rather than getting tied to the likes of a large heavy-duty Mercedes Zetros or MAN TGS cab, the new Bliss 8 is designed to ride aback smaller, nimbler 4x4 chassis like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford F-Series. — New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aback
  1. suddenly
  2. unexpectedly
Adverb
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The astounding results delivered by Daraxonrasib, and likely by a new crop of medications now in development pipelines of pharma companies that work in a similar fashion, suddenly provide a significant opportunity to act.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of suddenly
Adverb
  • Expecting a change of pace, she is instead unexpectedly pulled into a murder investigation involving a female climate activist.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • And suddenly, all those pages of analysis feel a lot like a MapQuest printout when the road is unexpectedly closed.
    — Jack O'Hara, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of unexpectedly

Phrases Containing aback

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aahs
aback
abaft
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Cite this Entry

“Aback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aback. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aback

Nglish: Translation of aback for Spanish Speakers

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