balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē How to pronounce balky (audio)
 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And there are myriad issues for SpaceX's engineers to solve, from engine reliability and the ship's resonant frequency, to beefing up the ship's heat shield and fixing its balky payload bay door. ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025 This is a major breakthrough for the best ball striker in the world who has been slowed by a balky putter at times in the last few seasons. Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for balky

Word History

Etymology

balk entry 1 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balky was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balky. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

balky

adjective
balkier; balkiest
: likely to refuse to act or function as directed or expected
a balky mule
a balky engine

More from Merriam-Webster on balky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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