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

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

The reality is Stroman’s struggles began long before the bad weather and balky knee on Friday. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025

After balky hamstrings saddled him with an injury-prone label, Fulton has set career highs for tackles (51) and games (15). —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Missing the final week in Arizona with a balky back didn’t keep centerfielder Jung Hoo Lee off the Giants’ Opening Day roster, but in somewhat of a surprise, infielder Christian Koss will be on the bench in Cincinnati instead of outfielder Grant McCray or infielder Brett Wisely. —Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 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