balkiness 1 of 2

balky

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective balky contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of balky are contrary, perverse, restive, and wayward. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When would contrary be a good substitute for balky?

While in some cases nearly identical to balky, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

In what contexts can perverse take the place of balky?

While the synonyms perverse and balky are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

When is it sensible to use restive instead of balky?

Although the words restive and balky have much in common, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

When is wayward a more appropriate choice than balky?

The words wayward and balky can be used in similar contexts, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

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 balkiness
Adjective
Missing the final week in Arizona with a balky back didn’t keep centerfielder Jung Hoo Lee off the Giants’ Opening Day roster, but in somewhat of a surprise, infielder Christian Koss will be on the bench in Cincinnati instead of outfielder Grant McCray or infielder Brett Wisely. Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025 But Musgrove’s balky elbow finally gave out in the wild-card series against the Braves. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Starting guard Norman Powell, who returned to the court after missing five games because of a balky left knee, headed to the locker room after playing nine minutes because of a sore right hamstring. Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2025 Does that seem likely given Aaron Gordon’s balky calf, Jamal Murray’s necessary rest maintenance, Peyton Watson’s knee issue and Jokic’s career high in minutes logged? Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balkiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balkiness
Noun
  • The rebellion ramps up, but not without struggle, sacrifice, and Serena's help.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • In 1998, people all over the country commemorated the rebellion, though the sectarian divisions and the violence of the Troubles loomed large.
    Joseph Patrick Kelly, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • That record of defiance in the face of threats to his freedom and safety alone would be astonishing, but the work itself, shot in secret, has also been fascinating — slippery, introspective, daring, and unbearably moving.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • Despite his public defiance, the court’s ruling marks a significant financial and legal defeat for the rapper, as the sale of his home is expected to partially satisfy the judgment against him.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump met with former rebel leader turned new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2025
  • Incidents of violence by rebel groups fell from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024, according to data from the home ministry.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The defiant message comes after weeks of intense news coverage and a Republican House committee investigation into Hope Florida and its nonprofit charity arm, the Hope Florida Foundation.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
  • Post match, the 17-year-old was in a typically defiant mood.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Recognizing when jokes mask disrespect is not about becoming overly cautious or humorless, but about ensuring that laughter contributes to connection, rather than corrosion.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Our child's protest isn't a sign of disrespect or defiance.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When tragedy strikes on Michigan roads—when a car skids off an icy bend or a semi-truck barrels through a red light—victims are often left to face not only devastating injuries but also a daunting legal maze of corporate denials and stubborn insurers.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Get The Recipe Smart Move Similar recipes with beans and peas existed before then, but a challenge made to a stubborn chef named Helen Corbitt spurred the creation of Texas caviar.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Big cars, bigger trucks, two-dimensional women, recalcitrant men.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
  • While the markets have not responded kindly, the White House insists the tariffs are bringing recalcitrant nations to the bargaining table.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Balkiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balkiness. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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