aback

Even people who trusted vaccinations before might be taken aback by a rapid development timeline that has led them to doubt its safety.

He looked a little taken aback, then thanked me for his birthday wishes and walked away.

Some men might be taken aback to learn that a woman they just met a few days ago is in love with them.

I was taken aback, as I still am every time I see one of these birds, by how enormous it was.

Antonio says NBA players are often taken aback when they visit the Philippines and people on the street want to discuss game details with them.

Still, when I saw the menu of latkes the different vendors offered, I was a bit taken aback.

Your sister-in-law is kinder and truly taken aback that you look “so healthy!”

When asked if this characterization had any validity, Raimondo seemed taken aback—I am what?

One of those preachers admitted to The Daily Beast that he was taken aback by her zeal.

He struggled as television crews tried to mike him up for sound and seemed taken aback when delegates asked him for an autograph.

The landlord, who seemed to be thoroughly taken aback, unlocked the door with a trembling hand, and the missionary passed out.

Ethel was slightly taken aback, but only said, "Papa would be very angry if he knew it."

"On my word, here's a pretty knave," said the baron, taken aback by the coolness of the speaker.

I was taken aback that this apparently powerful personage should be seeking aid of me, a prisoner.

Father Francis was taken aback a little by this sudden burst of affection.