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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balks
Time, 21 Nov. 2025
If your agent balks, find another one who is more amenable to cutting their levy — at least a little.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
And Scherzinger’s outspoken faith makes her something of an outlier in an industry that balks at too much Jesus talk, especially when that talk becomes entwined with Trump messaging.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
If so, but your bank account balks at such a journey, just binge all six episodes of Prime’s latest mood quencher.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
For example, the person who balks at personal outreach or opts out of LinkedIn despite knowing that’s where recruiters look.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
If a more powerful Nexstar balks at paying the affiliate fees required from its network partners such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, might any of those networks simply take matters into their own hands by seeking to partner with local cable operators and bypass their prior affiliates?
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Trump has said that if Putin balks at ending the war, there will be severe economic consequences for Russia.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Advertisement Glinda balks at the opportunity to straddle the broom with Elphaba and combine their powers to reach unlimited heights.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for balks
Noun
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Institutions were obstacles to be blamed or bypassed.—
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Ladders can help fish circumvent these obstacles, but learning to navigate them can take the animals days.—
Verb
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It’s been said that the filibuster empowers the minority and frustrates the majority.—
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This inconsistency frustrates drivers and reduces their confidence in public charging networks, further slowing EV adoption.—
Noun
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Getting to the rollout has not been without hurdles, though, with teams continuing to work around the clock.—
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The hardy parasite is also highly attuned to threats and responds with formidable defense mechanisms — prolonging a treatment process that’s already months to years long and often fraught with other hurdles and pain.—
Verb
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But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
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Impeding disclosure thwarts the very premise of public markets — that transparency fuels efficiency, competition, innovation, and trust.—
Noun
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These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.—
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Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.—
Verb
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Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
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Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Noun
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Such a link might also provide the quiet word that can avoid more public embarrassments.—
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Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Cite this Entry
“Balks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balks. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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