Antonyms for "takes aback" include "expect," "presume," "assume," "foresee," "anticipate," and "calculate." These words suggest a level of confidence in one's expectations, as opposed to the shock or surprise that comes with being taken aback. To expect something is to plan or prepare for it, whereas to be taken aback is to be caught off guard. Similarly, to presume, assume, or anticipate something is to believe it will happen, rather than being caught by surprise. Finally, to calculate or foresee something entails a degree of prediction or foresight, rather than being shocked by an unexpected event.