as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal
a young man with big dreams who refused to be balked by the many challenges he faced in making them a reality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balk
Katie Woo, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
While many are theoretically up for staging (though some balk at the expense and hassle), others object to the practice on principle, refusing to believe their fussy Victorian furnishings or eclectic art collection could be anything less than appealing.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Dec. 2025
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
Most ski-touring lodges are no-frills huts that cater to hardy mountaineers who’d balk at the idea of taking a gondola or a lift.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balk
Noun
On Field 2, another instructor detailed one of 13 balk calls an umpire can make.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
While many are theoretically up for staging (though some balk at the expense and hassle), others object to the practice on principle, refusing to believe their fussy Victorian furnishings or eclectic art collection could be anything less than appealing.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
California had balked at a prior attempt from the government to get the state to cancel 17,400 CDLs, but the Department of Transportation (DOT) likely forced its hand after pulling nearly $160 million in funding that would have went to highway and infrastructure programs.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
Most ski-touring lodges are no-frills huts that cater to hardy mountaineers who’d balk at the idea of taking a gondola or a lift.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
Noun
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At full height, the ship has an air draft of about 328 feet, but the tilting system enables the masts to lower when necessary, allowing the vessel to pass beneath bridges or other obstacles along its route, The Maritime Executive writes.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
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The war is constraining oil exports and prompting major producers like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq to scale back output as shipments face growing obstacles.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After a fall that left so many fan bases frustrated, this is a spring worth celebrating.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, American consumers are already frustrated by the high cost of living.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Revenue sharing will be the biggest hurdle to get over.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
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Obtaining a passport in time for a looming voter registration deadline is another potential hurdle.—
Julie Carr Smyth,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Florida, more government agencies are thwarting the public’s right to know, including attempts to hide the details behind Alligator Alcatraz.—
David Cuillier,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Off a bad change by the B’s, Timo Meier broke in alone but Korpisalo thwarted his first shot and just managed to get his pad down to smother Meier’s follow-up.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The suit also claimed the deputies suffered embarrassment and death threats and are entitled to compensation.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Not an abject embarrassment, perhaps, but unacceptable in every sense.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The steel pipe's unexpected growth spurt was reported to police early Wednesday by a pedestrian who saw broken pieces of asphalt falling from the cylinder, baffling people passing by and causing traffic congestion.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Though still fuming from his team’s baffling loss to the Bulls – the Warriors squandered an eight-point lead with 91 seconds remaining – Kerr found his composure long enough to crack a joke.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Under New Mexico’s new law, which takes effect in May and will be in place for the state’s June 2 primary, people who experience intimidation or obstruction at the polls from federal agents or military personnel can file a civil lawsuit seeking relief in state courts.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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Valente was also charged with obstruction of justice.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Leave the resort to dine at Sunset Mona Lisa, a neighboring cliffside terrace where Mediterranean-leaning plates play second fiddle to the show-stopping tangerine-pink sunsets.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
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Pavel Zacha had both goals for Boston, and Jeremy Swayman stopped 28 shots.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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