balked

ADJECTIVE

frustrated

Synonyms

STRONG

crabbed cramped crimped defeated discontented discouraged disheartened embittered foiled irked stonewalled stymied

WEAK

fouled-up hung up on resentful through the mill ungratified unsated unslaked up the wall

Antonyms

WEAK

encourage fulfilled inspirited stimulated uplifted

ADJECTIVE

disappointed

Synonyms

STRONG

beaten complaining defeated depressed disconcerted discontented discouraged disenchanted disgruntled disillusioned dissatisfied distressed down foiled frustrated objecting thwarted upset vanquished worsted

WEAK

aghast chapfallen crestfallen despondent down in the dumps downcast downhearted hopeless shot down taken down unhappy unsatisfied

Antonyms

STRONG

calm cheerful comforted contented enchanted encouraged fulfilled happy heartened pleased satisfied unworried

WEAK

delighted excited

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.

What’s Next: Ackman attempted this new fund in 2024 but investors balked.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Locals balked, and the developer withdrew the plan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Hochul, who had promised no tax increases, balked at the idea.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

More recently, I was asked why I didn’t just buy a reprint online for cheap, and momentarily balked at the question.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

The registrar balked at giving out student addresses, even fifteen-year-old ones.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng