as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she balked at lending him any more money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk (at)
Verb
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Yet, despite urgent calls to evacuate, numerous passengers fumble with overhead compartments, refusing to leave their carry-ons behind.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025 -
The ad has been slammed by some online as a Nazi-like pro-eugenics racist propaganda, while others have cheered the company and actress for refusing to apologize in the wake of social media outrage, which many view as a bad-faith take on something that’s meant to be playful.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
31 July 2025
Verb
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In September 2024, Arsenal fielded a late enquiry for Trossard from Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad, but the offer came too late for Arsenal to source a replacement, so it was rejected.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
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While there can be many other reasons why your application is rejected, a qualifiable versus quantifiable resume could be a contributing factor.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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The wrestler had first been pitched a TV series in 2002, but declined.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The Texas House on Thursday passed up the opportunity to honor the life and memory of former Austin Mayor and Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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In addition to Gold Phoenix and Atitlan being scratched Sunday morning, defending Read champion Johannes passed up a chance to race Sunday and ships out this week to run back east.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Balk (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk%20%28at%29. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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