aback
/əˈbæk/
ADJECTIVE
1. Taken by surprise or astonishment
Surprised, startled, or disconcerted by something unexpected.
1.1. Feeling surprised by something unexpected
Describing the state of being startled or unsettled by an unexpected event, remark, or discovery.
Synonyms
- surprised
- astonished
- startled
- shocked
- astounded
- dumbfounded
- taken aback
Antonyms
- un surprised
- un startled
- prepared
- expectant
Examples
- She was taken aback by his unexpected criticism.
- I was completely taken aback when they announced the sudden change.
- He seemed taken aback by the directness of her question.
Related Words
- amazed
- bewildered
- stunned
- disconcerted
- flabbergasted
ADVERB
2. Unexpectedly or by surprise
In a manner that catches someone off guard or occurs unexpectedly.
2.1. Catching someone off guard
Describing an event or action that surprises someone or happens without being anticipated.
Synonyms
- unexpectedly
- suddenly
- surprisingly
- unawares
- without warning
Antonyms
- expectedly
- predictably
- deliberately
- foreseeably
Examples
- The announcement caught the entire team unprepared.
- The unexpected question took him by surprise.
- The sudden change in plans left everyone startled.
Related Words
- abruptly
- unanticipatedly
- inadvertently
- off guard
- by surprise