BALKS Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

balks 1 of 2

noun

plural of balk

as in obstacles

something that makes movement or progress difficult the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation

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balks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of balk

as in frustrates

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

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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 balks

Noun

Right now, the only things that are out there and subjective are check swings and balks. —

Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026 The balks and furrows, left undisturbed, had other uses too. —

Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Verb

Perhaps there's a fussy Phillies fan in footy pajamas who balks at the twice-daily ritual but might be more inclined to brush because Harper does it, as well. —

CBS News, 28 May 2026 In response, Brennan balks at the idea — surely, Williams has experienced cooler things? —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026 Glushon balks at many of Raman’s positions, including her opposition to a law that allows the city to ban homeless people from the streets near schools. —

Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 But while Wall Street balks at the bountiful spending, tech companies are racing to build more infrastructure to keep up with customer demand for AI services. —

Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026 Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead balks at the comparison. —

Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 5 Feb. 2026 Advertisement Glinda balks at the opportunity to straddle the broom with Elphaba and combine their powers to reach unlimited heights. —

Time, 21 Nov. 2025 If your agent balks, find another one who is more amenable to cutting their levy — at least a little. —

Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025 And Scherzinger’s outspoken faith makes her something of an outlier in an industry that balks at too much Jesus talk, especially when that talk becomes entwined with Trump messaging. —

Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for balks

Noun

For more than 48 hours, captain Lillian Zulu had been trying to keep her squad's spirits high despite mounting obstacles.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 14 June 2026
One of Whaley’s biggest obstacles was learning how to use a computer to complete his schoolwork.

— Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026