as in obstacles
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 frustrates
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
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 balks
Time, 21 Nov. 2025
If your agent balks, find another one who is more amenable to cutting their levy — at least a little.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
And Scherzinger’s outspoken faith makes her something of an outlier in an industry that balks at too much Jesus talk, especially when that talk becomes entwined with Trump messaging.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
If so, but your bank account balks at such a journey, just binge all six episodes of Prime’s latest mood quencher.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
For example, the person who balks at personal outreach or opts out of LinkedIn despite knowing that’s where recruiters look.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
If a more powerful Nexstar balks at paying the affiliate fees required from its network partners such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, might any of those networks simply take matters into their own hands by seeking to partner with local cable operators and bypass their prior affiliates?
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Trump has said that if Putin balks at ending the war, there will be severe economic consequences for Russia.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Advertisement Glinda balks at the opportunity to straddle the broom with Elphaba and combine their powers to reach unlimited heights.
—Time, 21 Nov. 2025
If your agent balks, find another one who is more amenable to cutting their levy — at least a little.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
And Scherzinger’s outspoken faith makes her something of an outlier in an industry that balks at too much Jesus talk, especially when that talk becomes entwined with Trump messaging.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
If so, but your bank account balks at such a journey, just binge all six episodes of Prime’s latest mood quencher.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
For example, the person who balks at personal outreach or opts out of LinkedIn despite knowing that’s where recruiters look.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
If a more powerful Nexstar balks at paying the affiliate fees required from its network partners such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, might any of those networks simply take matters into their own hands by seeking to partner with local cable operators and bypass their prior affiliates?
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Trump has said that if Putin balks at ending the war, there will be severe economic consequences for Russia.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balks
Noun
-
Institutions were obstacles to be blamed or bypassed.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Ladders can help fish circumvent these obstacles, but learning to navigate them can take the animals days.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That just frustrates me incredibly.—
Angus Chen,
STAT,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Their research isn’t finished yet, which sometimes frustrates residents, Wang said.—
Jack Prator,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 35% analyst upside projection appears optimistic given the structural hurdles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Financing hurdles In April, the City Council created a special tax district to help pay for the Stitch.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Impeding disclosure thwarts the very premise of public markets — that transparency fuels efficiency, competition, innovation, and trust.—
Andrew Behar,
Fortune,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Such a link might also provide the quiet word that can avoid more public embarrassments.—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balks. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
