Synonyms of balk

balk 1 of 2

noun

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• obstruction
• let
• interference
• barrier
• stop
• hindrance
• impediment
• burden
• encumbrance
• block
• inhibition
• stumbling block
• handicap
• deterrent
• hitch
• chain
• constraint
• cramp
• load
• shackles
• delay
• clog
• drag
• danger
• rub
• catch
• crimp
• bar
• disadvantage
• trammel
• holdback
• stone wall
• brake
• difficulty
• rein
• manacle
• snag
• curb
• restraint
• arrest
• fetter
• blockade
• stoppage
• hazard
• brick wall
• blockage
• drawback
• stall
• embargo
• peril
• hardship
• hobble
• bit
• holdup
• check
• adversity
• reef
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• impetus
• stimulus
• advantage
• spur
• catalyst
• benefit
• break
• edge
• goad
• assistance
• aid
• help
• stimulant
• boost
• handmaiden

balk

2 of 2

verb

ˈbȯk 

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal

a young man with big dreams who refused to be balked by the many challenges he faced in making them a reality

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrate
• thwart
• baffle
• stop
• hamper
• defeat
• prevent
• overcome
• discomfit
• foil
• beat
• hinder
• halt
• impede
• checkmate
• block
• preclude
• check
• set back
• obviate
• obstruct
• stall
• interfere (with)
• arrest
• handicap
• inhibit
• hold back
• clog
• tie up
• avert
• encumber
• nullify
• forestall
• bar
• hobble
• offset
• conquer
• negate
• neutralize
• counteract
• shackle
• short-circuit
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• forward
• promote
• advance
• assist
• further
• aid
• cultivate
• foster
• facilitate
• nurture
• abet
• ease
• smooth

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

Recent Examples of balk

Noun

Sale was called for his third career balk by Merzel during the fifth inning of Saturday’s 5-4 loss. — Larry Fleisher, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Chris Sale and Walt Weiss were HEATED after Sale got called for a balk that allowed the Yankees to score the go-ahead run. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

Verb

Others balked at the cost of the $20 million project – $5-6 million for bike lanes alone – as the city faces a $30 million structural budget deficit and is also seeking a $300 million bond measure for general infrastructure on the November ballot. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

And there are other reasons some will probably balk at starting school after Labor Day. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing balk

• balk (at)