BALKY Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

balky

adjective

ˈbȯ-kē

Definition of balky next

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word "no" when told to do something

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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Recent Examples of balky On fourth down Allar, who fought gamely while playing with a balky left knee, threw incomplete to tight end Khalil Dinkins. —

Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024 White is being backed up by Cobie Durant, who also has a balky hamstring. —

Jay Paris, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 But the hi-tech equipment proved balky in its first live test. —

Bruce Haring, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2024 The original May 6 launch was scuttled hours before takeoff due to a balky rocket valve. —

Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for balky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for balky

Adjective

Luna will meet with rebellious Uranus in a surprising trine, bringing a jolt of excitement and unexpected revelations to your love life.

— Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
The wildly rebellious press across Europe are a vibrant sign of its free speech.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025