balk 1 of 2

noun

Definition of balknext
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

balk

2 of 2

verb

ˈbȯk How to pronounce balk (audio)
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb balk differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of balk are baffle, foil, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than balk?

The words baffle and balk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When can foil be used instead of balk?

The synonyms foil and balk are sometimes interchangeable, but foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When would frustrate be a good substitute for balk?

The words frustrate and balk can be used in similar contexts, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is it sensible to use thwart instead of balk?

While in some cases nearly identical to balk, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of balk
Noun
Hoerner moved to third on a balk and pinch-hitter Matt Shaw walked, but Abner Uribe relieved and retired the next two hitters. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 In the middle of Holmes’ final at-bat, senior outfielder Jack Cenar scored the go-ahead run on a balk. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Verb
The Brewers were one team that balked at the Nationals’ high asking price on Abrams over the winter. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Other abolitionists balked at this celebration of Washington’s antislavery credentials. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
  1. obstacle
  2. frustrate
  3. hurdle
  4. thwart
  5. embarrassment
  6. baffle
  7. obstruction
  8. stop
Noun
  • The Moon Will Steal The Show This year’s biggest obstacle won’t be clouds, but moonlight.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Having spent decades watching powerful men evade justice, Nora is doubly determined to bring this one down, and regards Catherine’s vigilantism as an obstacle to a larger victory.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Iran was also frustrated that financial promises under the deal – including the release of billions of frozen assets – didn't materialize, and now the American blockade is back in place.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike traditional resort fees that can surprise or frustrate travelers, these purchases are optional and connected to a guest’s needs.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Noun
  • When firefighters identify dangerous wildfire hazards, the solution shouldn’t be delayed by endless procedural hurdles.
    — Ruben Grijalva, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The deal faces hurdles over whether the Israeli or Hamas portion of the agreement should take place first, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells Up First.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Another tactic is treating ship hulls with special paint that thwarts unwanted hitchhikers from latching on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Valthos, which aims to identify and thwart biological threats exacerbated by AI—think viral infections or contaminated drinking supplies—is trying to prevent them.
    — Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of thwart
Noun
  • Our state’s ballot access laws are an anti-democratic embarrassment.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • In cases like Starbucks Korea, the issue extends beyond embarrassment because the campaign inadvertently touched on events that remain culturally and politically sensitive.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 23 July 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Verb
  • The news conference that followed left some economists baffled.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • Another passerby was baffled by how empty the corner now looks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • Fauci refused to answer questions at the hearing based on his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and Republicans threatened to charge him with obstruction.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • While Clinton was impeached by the house, he was acquitted of perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of obstruction
Verb
  • The project has drawn fierce local opposition in the mostly agricultural communities south of San Jose where it will be built, and the agency has temporarily stopped construction on it in advance of a court hearing in September.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Three minutes later, Son put away a volley after Carles Gil stopped a ball at the end line and whipped a cross into the center of the box.
    — Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of stop

Phrases Containing balk

Browse Nearby Words

bales
balk
balkanized
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Cite this Entry

“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on balk

Nglish: Translation of balk for Spanish Speakers

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