balk

[bawk] / bɔk /

VERB

stop short

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flinch hesitate recoil refuse resist turn down

STRONG

cramp crimp demur desist dodge evade shirk shy

WEAK

shrink from

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK accept face meet

WEAK

aid help make easier

VERB

thwart

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disappoint stall

STRONG

baffle bar beat check circumvent counteract cramp dash defeat disconcert foil forestall frustrate hinder obstruct prevent ruin stop

WEAK

cramp one's style throw a curve throw monkey wrench in upset the apple cart

Antonyms

STRONG

abet advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate help inspirit let go lose permit promote support surrender

WEAK

make easier

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Megacap tech stocks are struggling as investors balk at the massive spending on AI infrastructure, seemingly worried about the possibility that the return on investment might be too weak to justify the tremendous cost.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

But still, many residents balk at the sight of their pavement space being taken away.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Some companies balk at the cost of automation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Boston Dynamics will also lease the robots, hoping to bring in customers who might balk at an upfront capital outlay.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

Kaz had expected the boy to balk at the idea of being tailored to look like Kuwei.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

balk

Example Sentences

Related Words