as in frustrated
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
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Recent Examples of balked
Then again, even deep-red Indiana balked at following Texas.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Foster was dead set on Shiksa, but Netflix executives balked.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Initially, city staff planners balked at the plan and recommended the project be denied because roughly 70% of the structure would be dedicated to the parking garage.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
As stated, sports teams continue to appreciate, which could be a huge reason why Ross balked at the idea of $10 billion.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Even some Republican states have balked, at least initially, citing legal concerns about transferring some of the information.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Hamas has balked at those conditions.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Understanding that their business model was under threat, pop music’s titans initially balked at streaming.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Republicans have balked at these demands, taking particular issue with the prospect of restoring Medicaid benefits to immigrants.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Philip Elliott, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Foster was dead set on Shiksa, but Netflix executives balked.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Initially, city staff planners balked at the plan and recommended the project be denied because roughly 70% of the structure would be dedicated to the parking garage.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
As stated, sports teams continue to appreciate, which could be a huge reason why Ross balked at the idea of $10 billion.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Even some Republican states have balked, at least initially, citing legal concerns about transferring some of the information.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Hamas has balked at those conditions.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Understanding that their business model was under threat, pop music’s titans initially balked at streaming.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Republicans have balked at these demands, taking particular issue with the prospect of restoring Medicaid benefits to immigrants.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balked
Verb
-
That can impact on squad unity, with individuals frustrated by their lack of chances.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Smith’s next point is what ticked off Barkley, who was visibly frustrated at the desk.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He was baffled as if there does not appear to be any point of access for an animal the size of a ground hog.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
-
She was baffled by his sudden enterprise.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Scalability is also hampered by using hazardous, non-recyclable solvents in many processes.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Laboratory testing capacities at the CDC and expert guidance to analyze local trends may also be hampered during the shutdown, experts say.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But that decision has been thwarted by regulations in Flanders, Belgium, which has a ban on incinerating reusable medical devices.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Sawyer Robertson hit Kole Wilson with a 35-yard touchdown pass with 30 seconds left, and Baylor recovered an onside kick before Robertson threw an interception that thwarted the comeback.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balked. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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