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balk

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of balk

something that makes movement or progress difficult
  • The extravagant centerpiece on the table proved to be a balk to the flow of the diners' conversation.
Synonyms of balk

bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
Words Related to balk

catch, hitch, rub, snag

barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall

arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint

embargo, stoppage

delay, holdup, stall

burden, cumber, load

danger, hazard, peril, reef

adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship
Near Antonyms of balk

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus

advantage, break, edge

aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

balk

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of balk

to prevent from achieving a goal
  • The young man refused to be balked in achieving his goals.
Synonyms of balk

baffle, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, frustrate, thwart
Words Related to balk

bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel

arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop

avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent

negate, neutralize, nullify

counteract, offset

conquer, defeat, overcome
Near Antonyms of balk

abet, aid, assist

ease, facilitate, smooth
Antonyms of balk

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

Synonym Discussion of balk

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.
    • frustrated attempts at government reform
thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.
    • the army thwarted his attempt at a coup
foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.
    • foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her
baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.
    • baffled by the maze of rules and regulations
balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.
    • officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Learn More about balk

  1. See words that rhyme with balk Dictionary: Definition of balk Spanish Central: Translation of balk Nglish: Translation of balk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of balk for Arabic speakers

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