balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē 

 sometimes  ˈbȯl-

balkier; balkiest

: refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected

a balky mule

a balky engine

balkiness noun

Synonyms

• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for balky

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control.

contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Examples of balky in a Sentence

a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word “no” when told to do something

Recent Examples on the Web

The original May 6 launch was scuttled hours before takeoff due to a balky rocket valve. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

Eventually, all the balky presses got going, and the Chicago Tribune completed its final Freedom Center run at 12:48 a.m. on Sunday. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

balk entry 1 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē 

balkier; balkiest

: likely to refuse to act or function as directed or expected

a balky mule

a balky engine