balked (at)

verb

past tense of balk (at)
as in refused
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 balked (at)
  1. refused
  2. rejected
  3. declined
Verb
  • Related Articles The union says the museum has refused to negotiate better pay, including time and a half on bank holidays.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • West refused and went to Texas before the baby was born, prompting Paxton to secure a court order saying the baby must receive lifesaving medical care after birth.
    — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of refused
Verb
  • The bill passed by the Senate, but the House of Representatives rejected the measure in February.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Forest are also still keen on Lucas Bergvall, the Swedish international, although Tottenham’s valuation of the midfielder could be a stumbling block, with the London club having already rejected one bid.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rejected
Verb
  • And while her office brought its findings to the Illinois State Police and Cook County state’s attorney, a spokesperson said, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke declined to immediately bring charges.
    — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators ultimately declined to file criminal charges against Brady Kiser in connection with the toddler’s death.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of declined
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.

Browse Nearby Words

balked
balked (at)
balkiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balked (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balked%20%28at%29. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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