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 of balky

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

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

Roberts indicated that’s playing into the team’s approach with Ohtani, who skipped the All-Star Game last Tuesday in Philadelphia to treat and rest his balky knee. — Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Wiggins has one of the best fastballs in the minors, but a balky elbow has limited him to just 22 1/3 innings across three levels this season. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Applying frosting is one of the few things that cannot be said to be a subset of Haaland’s métier; after tossing his balky piping bag aside in frustration, the Norseman issued an expletive that was deemed bleep-worthy by Fox’s Standards & Practices crew. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026

The Angels also said that third baseman Yoán Moncada will have surgery on his balky right-knee. — CBS News, 9 June 2026

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