Synonyms of balks

balks 1 of 2

noun

plural of balk

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

• obstacles
• hurdles
• obstructions
• embarrassments
• lets
• barriers
• stops
• interferences
• impediments
• blocks
• hindrances
• cramps
• handicaps
• constraints
• inhibitions
• clogs
• chains
• stumbling blocks
• encumbrances
• burdens
• shackles
• hitches
• loads
• deterrents
• snags
• manacles
• fetters
• rubs
• catches
• delays
• drags
• trammels
• crimps
• bars
• restraints
• holdbacks
• dangers
• brakes
• disadvantages
• curbs
• stone walls
• hobbles
• reins
• blockades
• difficulties
• arrests
• brick walls
• stalls
• hazards
• checks
• stoppages
• embargoes
• blockages
• perils
• drawbacks
• hardships
• holdups
• cumbers
• bits
• reefs
• adversities

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentives
• spurs
• stimuli
• catalysts
• breaks
• advantages
• goads
• stimulants
• edges
• benefits
• help
• impetuses
• aids
• boosts
• assistances
• handmaidens

balks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of balk

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

• frustrates
• thwarts
• baffles
• stops
• hampers
• halts
• prevents
• overcomes
• defeats
• hinders
• foils
• beats
• discomfits
• impedes
• checkmates
• blocks
• obstructs
• hobbles
• precludes
• checks
• stalls
• inhibits
• interferes (with)
• handicaps
• averts
• forestalls
• encumbers
• arrests
• ties up
• obviates
• short-circuits
• holds back
• clogs
• nullifies
• conquers
• neutralizes
• negates
• bars
• offsets
• fetters
• sets back
• counteracts
• shackles
• trammels
• manacles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• advances
• promotes
• fosters
• furthers
• cultivates
• assists
• aids
• facilitates
• nurtures
• forwards
• eases
• abets
• smooths

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of balks

Noun

Right now, the only things that are out there and subjective are check swings and balks. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026

The balks and furrows, left undisturbed, had other uses too. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Verb

But when even dim-witted Chad also balks at the plan, Nora is forced to blackmail him into participating. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

That number certainly feels like something worth panicking over—the mind balks at all the zeros. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026

Perhaps there's a fussy Phillies fan in footy pajamas who balks at the twice-daily ritual but might be more inclined to brush because Harper does it, as well. — CBS News, 28 May 2026

In response, Brennan balks at the idea — surely, Williams has experienced cooler things? — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026

Glushon balks at many of Raman’s positions, including her opposition to a law that allows the city to ban homeless people from the streets near schools. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026

But while Wall Street balks at the bountiful spending, tech companies are racing to build more infrastructure to keep up with customer demand for AI services. — Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead balks at the comparison. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 5 Feb. 2026

Advertisement Glinda balks at the opportunity to straddle the broom with Elphaba and combine their powers to reach unlimited heights. — Time, 21 Nov. 2025