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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Kelley, who did not respond to a comment request, advised participants to roll up their windows, remain silent, and refuse to open doors if agents approach.—
Christina Buttons,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026 -
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Clintons last year, but the pair called the subpoenas legally invalid and refused to appear before the panel, which is probing the Justice Department's investigations into Epstein.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That attempt was rejected, and in October 2023, LIV’s application was formally denied.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Jimenez, in part, criticized Gilbert’s proposal to put a commissioner on the panel that recommends an inspector general candidate for the commission to either accept or reject.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Coleman declined to pursue the case, a police report said.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Across the other devices, both Mac and Wearables, Home & Accessories sales declined year over year, while the market anticipated slight growth.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And for me, the opportunity to work with coach Harbaugh was too good to pass up.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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But Barnett couldn’t pass up the Utah project.—
Jennifer Kester,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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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 4 Feb. 2026.
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