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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The second doctor refused to admit her so more tests could be done.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
13 June 2025 -
Paul was severely ill, so he was excused from appearing, but Vladimir was taken away by the Bolsheviks after refusing to renounce his father.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 June 2025
Verb
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But judges reviewing other eligibility cases have rejected this interpretation as construing Alston beyond its actual words.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2025
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If the deal is rejected, athletes can adjust the terms and resubmit or seek arbitration.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The April 11 ruling came during a hearing in Maryland, where a Justice Department attorney declined to provide basic details about Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
7 June 2025
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Travis' declining mental health began to affect his parenting, which led Whitney to limit Travis' visitation, per a September 2024 court filing reviewed by PEOPLE.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Joy Callaway and her mom never pass up a good adventure.—
Joy Callaway,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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The threat hasn’t gone away, and Tony voters shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to honor true playwriting excellence.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.
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