Definition of BALKY

Examples of balky in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of balky from the Web

Vaughn did not have a history of balky knees or a penchant for controversy.

— seth berkman, New York Times, "W.N.B.A. Players’ Overseas Obligations Cramp Their Teams", 2 June 2017
Booker is no longer bogged down by either his balky knee or his adjustment from the college game to the pros.

— ap, USA TODAY, "Broncos backfield filled with players making comebacks", 31 May 2017
Photo galleries now can be easily viewed without having to swipe or click on a balky arrow button.

— the oregonian/oregonlive, OregonLive.com, "10 funny comics to brighten your Friday (gallery)", 26 May 2017
The laptops the corps members had been given were old and balky.

— maryn mckenna, WIRED, "Terror and Bioterror: 9/11 to 10/4 (Part 3)", 25 Sep. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'balky'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of balky

1831

balky Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

balky