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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of balk
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
The teams scored eight runs in a 46-minute first inning, which featured seven walks, a hit batter, an umpires conference, two balks, all nine batters for both teams coming to the plate.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Though some might balk at the number, the married couple proved their endeavor wasn't unrealistic at all.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for balk
Noun
Dodgers After pregame trade disrupts Giants, Dodgers power their way to series victory
June 15, 2025
Tatis was allowed to stay on second, and eventually came around to score when Michael Kopech entered the game and stumbled on a throw with the bases loaded, resulting in a run-scoring balk.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
The teams scored eight runs in a 46-minute first inning, which featured seven walks, a hit batter, an umpires conference, two balks, all nine batters for both teams coming to the plate.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
The cost for Krebs might be Evander Kane, plus a pick might be in play if Buffalo balks at the sizeable cap difference.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Though some might balk at the number, the married couple proved their endeavor wasn't unrealistic at all.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
Noun
-
These shifts signal a recognition that regulation is not an obstacle to progress but a critical enabler of responsible, adaptive innovation - especially when physically embedded in place.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Despite the obstacles, authorities from at least seven neighboring counties have followed countless tips in their hunt for Decker, with some leads running hot.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
One of the biggest hurdles was the architecture of the building.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
-
Frequently the Swedes have been impressive in the early stages of tournaments only to fall at the final hurdle.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
30 June 2025
-
Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.—
Tim Clouser,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
-
DeKalb police charged Guevara with obstruction of police, unlawful assembly and being a pedestrian on the roadway.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share