Synonyms of balk

balk 1 of 3

noun

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• obstruction
• let
• interference
• barrier
• stop
• hindrance
• impediment
• burden
• encumbrance
• block
• inhibition
• stumbling block
• handicap
• deterrent
• hitch
• chain
• constraint
• cramp
• load
• shackles
• delay
• clog
• drag
• danger
• rub
• catch
• crimp
• bar
• disadvantage
• trammel
• holdback
• stone wall
• brake
• difficulty
• rein
• manacle
• snag
• curb
• restraint
• arrest
• fetter
• blockade
• stoppage
• hazard
• brick wall
• blockage
• drawback
• stall
• embargo
• peril
• hardship
• hobble
• bit
• holdup
• check
• adversity
• reef
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• impetus
• stimulus
• advantage
• spur
• catalyst
• benefit
• break
• edge
• goad
• assistance
• aid
• help
• stimulant
• boost
• handmaiden
• handmaid

balk

2 of 3

verb (1)

as in to frustrate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrate
• thwart
• baffle
• stop
• hamper
• defeat
• prevent
• overcome
• discomfit
• foil
• beat
• hinder
• halt
• impede
• checkmate
• block
• preclude
• check
• set back
• obviate
• obstruct
• stall
• interfere (with)
• arrest
• handicap
• inhibit
• hold back
• clog
• tie up
• avert
• encumber
• nullify
• forestall
• bar
• hobble
• offset
• conquer
• negate
• neutralize
• counteract
• shackle
• short-circuit
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• forward
• promote
• advance
• assist
• further
• aid
• cultivate
• foster
• facilitate
• nurture
• abet
• ease
• smooth

balk (at)

3 of 3

verb (2)

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

• refuse
• reject
• decline
• pass up
• ignore
• deny
• avoid
• turn down
• disapprove
• pass
• throw over
• dispute
• throw out
• dismiss
• negative
• spurn
• veto
• withdraw
• forbid
• deselect
• repudiate
• refrain (from)
• reprobate
• nix
• turn one's back on
• blow off
• disagree (with)
• take back
• disdain
• abstain (from)
• prohibit
• shoot down
• overrule
• rebuff
• proscribe
• scout
• forbear
• recall
• revoke
• renounce
• disavow
• contradict
• gainsay
• refute
• retract
• disclaim
• stick
• scorn
• disprove
• back down
• abjure
• negate
• disown
• bypass
• recant
• foreswear
• forswear
• unsay
• back off
• rebut
• controvert
• disallow
• renege
• detour
• backtrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agree (to)
• accept
• approve
• receive
• tolerate
• welcome
• adopt
• take
• swallow
• embrace
• agree
• condone
• choose
• acquiesce
• select
• consent
• support
• accede
• countenance
• assent
• espouse
• handpick

Phrases Containing balk

• balk (at)