as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the constant interruptions proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to frustrate
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of balk
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
López was charged with a balk, made a throwing error and surrendered four runs (two earned) and eight hits, including four with two strikes, all before the fourth inning.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Dhruvak Mirani, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2025
Even if the talking points are predictable — Sheila and Varuna try to strategize while Mala and Shahida get carried away with their aspirations and Raji balks at everything — the chemistry is what’s truly intoxicating and carries viewers from one episode to the next.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balk
Noun
Carlsbad 1, JSerra 0: The winning run came home on a balk in the 10th inning for Carlsbad.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
López was charged with a balk, made a throwing error and surrendered four runs (two earned) and eight hits, including four with two strikes, all before the fourth inning.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
The House of Delegates voted to approve this cut, but members of the State Senate balked.
—Dhruvak Mirani, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2025
Even if the talking points are predictable — Sheila and Varuna try to strategize while Mala and Shahida get carried away with their aspirations and Raji balks at everything — the chemistry is what’s truly intoxicating and carries viewers from one episode to the next.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk
Noun
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Many beneficiaries already face obstacles getting through to the Social Security’s phone lines to make an in-person appointment and then need to drive to a field office, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said Tuesday that Trump is frustrated with the Russian position but that talks continue.—
Barak Ravid,
Axios,
2 Apr. 2025
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But as Democrats search for a next generation of leadership, frustrated with the old-timers at the top, Booker’s speech could cement his status as a leading figure in the party’s opposition to Trump.—
Mike Catalini and Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Join 80 others in the comments View Comments The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
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Data Sharing Without Risk Security and trust remain critical hurdles.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But Fleury fondly recalled thwarting an Ovechkin breakaway with a glove save in game seven of the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals, on the way to Pittsburgh winning one of Fleury’s three career Stanley Cups.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2025
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The Trump administration launched three investigations in California in a single day amid claims that the Golden State is trying to thwart President Donald Trump's policies.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
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President Donald Trump’s mass tariffs have baffled Americans, creating uncertainty for the average consumer, according to industry leaders.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In November 2021, Burke was sentenced to 46 years in jail for assault and obstruction of justice.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
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Remember to check your outdoor AC units and remove leaves or any other obstructions that can cause blockages or safety hazards.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
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He belly flopped onto the ice in ecstasy and relief before he was mobbed by his teammates, and then the game stopped to celebrate the greatest goal scorer who ever lived.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balk. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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