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

• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

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

The only thing the matter with him was a balky hamstring that kept him out of 24 games. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025

After winning the first two sets in tiebreaks, Fils fell off a cliff, struggling with his balky back and cramps. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Or trying to pay when the driver had no change or only a balky credit card device? —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Getting Mitchell off the ball more also balanced the offense and eased the load on Mitchell’s balky knees … and worked so well that the Cavs led the league in offensive efficiency. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 14 Apr. 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