balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē 

 sometimes  ˈbȯl-

balkier; balkiest

: refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected

a balky mule

a balky engine

balkiness noun

Synonyms

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn
• recalcitrant
• willful
• obstreperous
• wayward
• dogged

Choose the Right Synonym for balky

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control.

contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Examples of balky in a Sentence

a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word “no” when told to do something

Recent Examples on the Web

How far the Clippers can push up that hill is going to depend largely on superstar Kawhi Leonard and his balky knee and so far, so good. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025

Oh, and Aaron Rodgers is happy to know Cincy’s top pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is iffy to play on a short week with a balky back. —Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025

Electrify America and other providers took a lot of heat for balky or out-of-service chargers, especially compared with Tesla’s reliable network. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Sep. 2025

The Rams’ standout quarterback participated in a team workout on Monday for the first time since camp opened, as Stafford and L.A. manages his balky back. —Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

balk entry 1 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for balky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• rocky
• stocky
• talkie

Kids Definition

balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē 

balkier; balkiest

: likely to refuse to act or function as directed or expected

a balky mule

a balky engine