What is another word for taking aback?
Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪkɪŋ ɐbˈak] (IPA) 
Taking aback is an idiomatic expression that means to surprise or shock someone. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including: astonished, flabbergasted, astounded, amazed, stunned, shocked, dumbfounded, awestruck, bewildered and surprised. All these words signify the same level of unexpectedness and disbelief when faced with an unexpected event or situation. Each of these words can convey different connotations, such as dumbfounded, which typically implies speechlessness, while astounded suggests a feeling of awe and wonder. Although these words are synonyms, they each have a different nuance, giving you a variety of options to use in different contexts.
