as in frustrated
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
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Recent Examples of balked
Shareholders balked, citing differences between TV and publishing, as well as the prospect of the move simply consolidating power under Lachlan.
—
Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump is permitting Europe to pay for Ukraine to buy weapons – such as longer-range missiles – that Biden once balked at.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
While praising Vandersloot’s abilities and leadership, Reese balked at the prospect of building the roster around a point guard attempting to return from an ACL tear at age 36.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
After Hulkamania had stood for all that was right throughout the 1980s and early ’90s, Hogan had balked at the notion of becoming an on-screen villain.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 30 Aug. 2025
But the Red Sox answered against reliever Camilo Doval, who gave up an infield single to Hamilton, then balked him over to second base.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2025
Avildsen balked at hiring producer Martin Bregman’s girlfriend Cornelia Sharpe in the role of Serpico’s girlfriend.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025
Shawn French, host of The Determined Society podcast and former LSU baseball player, also balked at Engh's proposal, insisting the current distance is appropriate.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Shiek and Conn were added to the Vikings' 35-member cheer roster earlier this month, but after they were announced as members of the squad, some critics balked at the inclusion of the male cheerleaders, responding with threats to boycott the Vikings this season, according to NBC News.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump is permitting Europe to pay for Ukraine to buy weapons – such as longer-range missiles – that Biden once balked at.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
While praising Vandersloot’s abilities and leadership, Reese balked at the prospect of building the roster around a point guard attempting to return from an ACL tear at age 36.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
After Hulkamania had stood for all that was right throughout the 1980s and early ’90s, Hogan had balked at the notion of becoming an on-screen villain.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 30 Aug. 2025
But the Red Sox answered against reliever Camilo Doval, who gave up an infield single to Hamilton, then balked him over to second base.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2025
Avildsen balked at hiring producer Martin Bregman’s girlfriend Cornelia Sharpe in the role of Serpico’s girlfriend.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025
Shawn French, host of The Determined Society podcast and former LSU baseball player, also balked at Engh's proposal, insisting the current distance is appropriate.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Shiek and Conn were added to the Vikings' 35-member cheer roster earlier this month, but after they were announced as members of the squad, some critics balked at the inclusion of the male cheerleaders, responding with threats to boycott the Vikings this season, according to NBC News.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balked
Verb
-
During his loan spell with Leeds, Spence frustrated their head coach Daniel Farke with his timekeeping.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Some actors might choose to step away from such a thing, or even be frustrated by it or it being brought up in interviews, but Fischer clearly enjoys every last moment of her good fortune from a former era, even now.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The comment sections of each video documenting the saga was flooded with people baffled by how the pair ended up in the situation.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Willis, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker who starred for the San Francisco 49ers, was baffled by Jerry Jones sending Parsons to Green Bay.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Talking to Bill Nighy about his star turn as a frail and at times broken novelist in & Sons is rather hampered by the British actor not having seen director Pablo Trapero’s father-and-son drama on a screen of any size ahead of its world premiere on Sunday at the Toronto Film Festival.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
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Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kohberger ultimately accepted a plea deal, avoiding the death penalty and receiving four consecutive life sentences, plus additional years, a move that split the victims’ families between those who welcome closure to those who say justice was thwarted.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Despite the growing momentum in support of a ban, there's still significant opposition to it — the same opposition that has thwarted past attempts to enact limits on congressional stock trading beyond those contained in the 2012 STOCK Act.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balked. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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