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 balky Or trying to pay when the driver had no change or only a balky credit card device? Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Getting Mitchell off the ball more also balanced the offense and eased the load on Mitchell’s balky knees … and worked so well that the Cavs led the league in offensive efficiency. John Hollinger, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 The reality is Stroman’s struggles began long before the bad weather and balky knee on Friday. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 After balky hamstrings saddled him with an injury-prone label, Fulton has set career highs for tackles (51) and games (15). Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balky
Adjective
  • From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 July 2025
  • The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.
    Time, Time, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This version of it will be complex, with significant power wielded by the United States and China but with major roles for other players, including an increasingly autonomous Europe, a recalcitrant Russia, and an ever more powerful India.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Likewise, Elon Musk, one of the world's most effective transmitters of AGI hype, announced safety assurances that cleverly imply a willful or dangerous AI.
    Eric Siegel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Now the 20-year-old mother has been charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and two felony counts of willful cruelty to a child, according to court records.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • All at once, Vance had made an obstreperous return to the center of the national stage—and so did the memes.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Alone and shockingly baby-faced, Logan encounters a similarly wayward Rogue (Anna Paquin).
    EW.com, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • His sprawling hands corralled loose balls and wayward shots with ease.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Balky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balky. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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