balkiness 1 of 2

balky

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective balky contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of balky are contrary, perverse, restive, and wayward. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When would contrary be a good substitute for balky?

While in some cases nearly identical to balky, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

In what contexts can perverse take the place of balky?

While the synonyms perverse and balky are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

When is it sensible to use restive instead of balky?

Although the words restive and balky have much in common, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

When is wayward a more appropriate choice than balky?

The words wayward and balky can be used in similar contexts, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of balkiness
Adjective
But Musgrove’s balky elbow finally gave out in the wild-card series against the Braves. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Starting guard Norman Powell, who returned to the court after missing five games because of a balky left knee, headed to the locker room after playing nine minutes because of a sore right hamstring. Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2025 Does that seem likely given Aaron Gordon’s balky calf, Jamal Murray’s necessary rest maintenance, Peyton Watson’s knee issue and Jokic’s career high in minutes logged? Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2025 Here’s the deal: If Jalen Hurts’ balky knee forces him to pass more, Daniels will move on. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balkiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balkiness
Noun
  • The profits, in turn, are used to fund the rebellion.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs meet South Korean domestic turmoil The tariff upheaval comes at an inopportune time as former President Yoon Suk Yeol stands in court to face charges of rebellion over his institution of martial law in December.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.
    Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Coffee with a side of defiance Some Mexican cafés are changing the name of the Americano.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plutarch, future Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games and commander of the rebel forces, is a young Capitol cameraman in this timeline who is tasked with documenting the tributes of District 12.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The civil war in Sudan, between the government’s SAF and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has just passed its grisly second anniversary.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, was defiant in remarks to reporters earlier Monday.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But when asked about the lack of norms and decorum in the current political climate and whether Democrats need to play on the same level, Himes was defiant.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Maintain safety by allowing your teen to share sensitive information without judgement, punishment, disrespect, or harsh criticism.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025
  • From today’s extended look, director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have delivered something that’s akin to a Top Gun with lots of riveting, cut-the-corner race scenes that outstrip those of James Mangold’s Ford v. Ferrari (no disrespect) and bromance camaraderie.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.
    Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025
  • For recalcitrant teams, Scherzer would also remove the runner who automatically starts each inning after the ninth in scoring position on second base, creating a significant handicap.
    Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Balkiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balkiness. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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