balkiness 1 of 2

balky

2 of 2

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
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 Here’s the deal: If Jalen Hurts’ balky knee forces him to pass more, Daniels will move on. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balkiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balkiness
Noun
  • For the dandy, fashion was a vehicle for both self-expression and a subtle form of rebellion against societal norms.
    Ty Gaskins, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The story finds Plutarch Heavensbee — a future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader — in District 12, for the reaping of tributes.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lesser powers that find themselves under the dominion of a great power against their wishes can be resentful and rebellious.
    Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even though the Administration admitted to deporting Abrego Garcia by mistake, Trump is refusing to take any steps to bring him back, in open defiance of the Supreme Court and other federal court rulings.
    Kica Matos, Time, 2 May 2025
  • Barragan said he was shaped by his upbringing in the Kern County town of Delano, where his family was active in the United Farm Workers movement that staged marches, boycotts and strikes in defiance of powerful Central Valley growers in the 1960s and ‘70s.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plutarch, future Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games and commander of the rebel forces, is a young Capitol cameraman in this timeline who is tasked with documenting the tributes of District 12.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The civil war in Sudan, between the government’s SAF and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has just passed its grisly second anniversary.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, was defiant in remarks to reporters earlier Monday.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But when asked about the lack of norms and decorum in the current political climate and whether Democrats need to play on the same level, Himes was defiant.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • April 21, 2025 Regardless of one’s position on the war in Ukraine, the president has shown a stunning disrespect for a world leader, an unprecedented bow to Russia’s leader, and a complete disregard for diplomacy.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The vice president accused Ukraine's leader of showing disrespect to the president and of insufficient gratitude to the U.S. for its help.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Traditionally, military pressure has influenced the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recalcitrant and anti-American leaders to make concessions.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Balkiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balkiness. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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