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Showing results for balk. Search instead for malk.
Definitions

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.

She adds that she’s not worried her boys will balk at the idea.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Inflows to private funds could dry up in coming months as wealth managers balk at committing client cash to them, given negative headlines about private credit and the ability to buy similar cheaper public funds.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

But then came a balk that scored the winning run in El Camino Real’s 1-0 victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

She didn’t balk at the guards as she dodged and twirled around them.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.