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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
Perhaps the best example of the relief corps’ good work: Carlos Estévez helped Kansas City survive a controversial balk call that, a couple batters later, led to the bases being loaded with no one out. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025 There are no balks, and the ball is live, which means the hidden ball trick happens regularly. Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
But value-conscious wine drinkers willing to buy an $18 cava may balk at a $23 cava. Eric Asimov, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 First, moderate House Republicans would likely balk at that prospect after raising concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
Noun
  • The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Olympian and World Championship silver medalist is a superstar heptathlete who’s headed for the women’s long hurdles.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The Vessel Project is built on the principles of mutual aid, ensuring that no one is left behind and that support reaches those in need without the bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder access.
    Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The Guna have long thwarted real-estate developers and foreign investors eyeing both the shore and the uninhabited islands, which are a postcard vision of paradise.
    Mark Johanson, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Knights center used his stick to thwart a clearing attempt by Wild defenseman Brock Faber at the side of the net, then grabbed the loose puck and fired it into a tiny gap over Gustavsson’s right shoulder to give the home team the early lead.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There was a time when Hubble had the potential to become NASA's biggest embarrassment.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The embarrassment for Manchester United letting a striker leave who then is the star in a Champions League tie against elite opposition is obvious.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With a fastball that tops out around 87 mph, Barrett finds other ways to baffle hitters.
    Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This May, students from across the United States will gather in Washington D.C., for the 100th anniversary of the Scripps Spelling Bee, determined to conquer a spelling system that has baffled us for centuries.
    Gabe Henry, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the concealment charge, Mendoza-Gonzalez was charged with obstruction of justice and abuse of a corpse, police said.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The call resulted in the arrest of a subject for violation of the obstruction statute.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Commentary: Is Trump's plan for tariff relief for automakers too late to stop global impact?
    Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • The administration has also asked food companies to voluntarily stop using another six dyes—Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2—by the end of 2026.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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