as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she balked at lending him any more money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk (at)
Verb
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Even more concerning was that the reservoir continually shrunk in its scale as owners of the land refused to sell, forcing engineers to work with a smaller footprint and alarming scientists.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026 -
In the wake of the federal probe, the city has refused to answer basic questions about the subpoena and the allegations that have roiled Kansas City politics.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Khan was sentenced Monday after San Joaquin Superior Court Judge Richard Mallett rejected his motion to withdraw his no contest plea in the criminal case, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday in a news release.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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McClain and three other runners who followed the lead vehicle appealed after their protest of the order of finish was rejected.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Iranian retaliatory attacks appear to be declining — ballistic missile strikes have fallen by 90% and drone attacks by 83%, according to US Central Command — potentially easing pressure on Gulf states that have faced Iranian strikes in recent days.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bonta’s office declined to comment.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though Shaynak had concerns about his mobility as an actor, the opportunity to be on The Pitt felt like too great a chance to pass up.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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The Patriots would also like to get younger at this position, but Goedert may be too good to pass up if the stars align.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Balk (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk%20%28at%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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