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balk

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb balk differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of balk are baffle, foil, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than balk?

The words baffle and balk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When can foil be used instead of balk?

The synonyms foil and balk are sometimes interchangeable, but foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When would frustrate be a good substitute for balk?

The words frustrate and balk can be used in similar contexts, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is it sensible to use thwart instead of balk?

While in some cases nearly identical to balk, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of balk
Noun
Tyler Freeman led off with a single, advanced to second on Ryan Thompson’s balk, and scored on Michael Toglia’s double to left-center. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 May 2025 That loaded the bases, brought in Logan Gillaspie and brought up No.9 hitter Carson Kelly, who lined out to shortstop — but not before Gillaspie stopped in the middle of his windup, the umpires conferred for a full three minutes and charged him with a balk, bringing in a run. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
The cost for Krebs might be Evander Kane, plus a pick might be in play if Buffalo balks at the sizeable cap difference. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025 Though some might balk at the number, the married couple proved their endeavor wasn't unrealistic at all. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
Noun
  • Listen to this article The path back to the pinnacle was littered with obstacles.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025
  • From the shark malfunctioning and capsizing, to lunch arriving late and walkie-talkies falling overboard, the production of Jaws faced many obstacles.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Retailers have sought to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience as traditional approaches such as locking up products can frustrate shoppers and have been found to lower sales.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • And after reports surfaced that Boston had grown frustrated with the star slugger not conducting postgame TV interviews, Devers did exactly that in his first week in San Francisco.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The service faces regulatory and safety hurdles but has been lauded for its ability to cut traffic congestion and slash emissions.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • The vote-a-rama is the last hurdle before a vote on final passage of the bill in the Senate.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Bill Daly is a former FBI investigator who worked to thwart terror attacks and dealt with foreign counterintelligence.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • Nena Farrell The Best Bike Locks and Ebike Locks Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Who’s to blame for the embarrassment that has become Lincoln Yards?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • The problem with toughing it out alone, though, is that a lot of people will continue to isolate themselves for weeks, Brown says, whether out of embarrassment, fear, or pride.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • But Bird also throws a devastating slider to right-handers and a curveball that can baffle.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • The topic, added late to the ACIP agenda and without much detail, has baffled some vaccine experts.
    Liz Neporent, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
    Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • DeKalb police charged Guevara with obstruction of police, unlawful assembly and being a pedestrian on the roadway.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Trying to stop the runaway, Jeff was knocked to the concrete and sustained a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for weeks.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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