as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balks
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
If so, but your bank account balks at such a journey, just binge all six episodes of Prime’s latest mood quencher.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
For example, the person who balks at personal outreach or opts out of LinkedIn despite knowing that’s where recruiters look.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
If a more powerful Nexstar balks at paying the affiliate fees required from its network partners such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, might any of those networks simply take matters into their own hands by seeking to partner with local cable operators and bypass their prior affiliates?
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Trump has said that if Putin balks at ending the war, there will be severe economic consequences for Russia.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
If so, but your bank account balks at such a journey, just binge all six episodes of Prime’s latest mood quencher.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
For example, the person who balks at personal outreach or opts out of LinkedIn despite knowing that’s where recruiters look.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
If a more powerful Nexstar balks at paying the affiliate fees required from its network partners such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, might any of those networks simply take matters into their own hands by seeking to partner with local cable operators and bypass their prior affiliates?
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Trump has said that if Putin balks at ending the war, there will be severe economic consequences for Russia.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balks
Noun
-
But the obstacles are overwhelming.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Why cruise lines conduct safety drills Safety drills, also called muster drills, are not the brainchild of a sadistic cruise ship officer, trying to place obstacles between cruise guests and their sunbathing and cocktails.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
His fervor for society pleases his mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell), but also frustrates her to the point of squeezing Penelope for information.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
That just frustrates me incredibly.—
Angus Chen,
STAT,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 35% analyst upside projection appears optimistic given the structural hurdles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Financing hurdles In April, the City Council created a special tax district to help pay for the Stitch.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Impeding disclosure thwarts the very premise of public markets — that transparency fuels efficiency, competition, innovation, and trust.—
Andrew Behar,
Fortune,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, like rocks, fences or poles.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Flat roofs with parapets (side walls), stepped roofs, saw-tooth roofs, and roofs with chimneys and other obstructions on top can collect snow in an unbalanced manner, the agency said.—
Bailey Allen,
The Providence Journal,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That said, the Recording Academy never goes too long without making a choice that baffles everybody, as when Jon Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in 2022.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Such a link might also provide the quiet word that can avoid more public embarrassments.—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balks. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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