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
-
Anisimova dialed in, desperately refusing to give Osaka any openings.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025 -
The airline reserves the right to refuse transportation to plus-size passengers who cannot be safely accommodated.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Several world leaders have already rejected the plan and insisted that the only solution is the creation of a Palestinian state once Hamas hands over the hostages and a new Palestinian government takes over.—
Michele Chabin,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Shi seemed confident that Strand Larsen, who was keen to join Newcastle United before the deadline, will knuckle down despite Wolves rejecting two bids.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Burberry's share price has fallen sharply over recent years, declining almost 80% from April 2023 to September 2024, as waning sales and a slew of management changes exacerbated a wider luxury downturn.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
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Morris and his attorneys declined comment.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Now that Swift and Kelce are engaged, and with the Chiefs once again among the favorites to reach the big game, the prospect of Swift helming the halftime show might be too big to pass up.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
2 Sep. 2025
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The Lobos had a shot a shot to get closer early in the fourth, but Layne threw a pass up for grabs over the deep middle of the field and Brandyn Hillman intercepted it.—
Larry Lage,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
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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 Sep. 2025.
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