BALK Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'balk' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of balk are baffle , foil , frustrate , and thwart . While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: When is 'baffle' a more appropriate choice than 'balk'?

The words baffle and balk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When can 'foil' be used instead of 'balk'?

The synonyms foil and balk are sometimes interchangeable, but foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: When would 'frustrate' be a good substitute for 'balk'?

The words frustrate and balk can be used in similar contexts, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. // frustrated attempts at government reform

Q: When is it sensible to use 'thwart' instead of 'balk'?

While in some cases nearly identical to balk , thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

balk 1 of 2

noun

Definition of balk next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

balk

2 of 2

verb

ˈbȯk

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb balk differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of balk are baffle, foil, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than balk?

The words baffle and balk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When can foil be used instead of balk?

The synonyms foil and balk are sometimes interchangeable, but foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When would frustrate be a good substitute for balk?

The words frustrate and balk can be used in similar contexts, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is it sensible to use thwart instead of balk?

While in some cases nearly identical to balk, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

Examples 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 balk

Noun

Kuhl stumbled making a 2-2 pitch but somehow delivered cleanly near the plate for a ball, avoiding what would have been a run-scoring balk. —

Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2024 Despite giving up a leadoff walk, then committing a balk that put the runner at second with no outs, Petersen retired the side without any damage. —

Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2024

Verb

Senate Republicans are balking at that idea — but not ruling it out. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024 He was later reinstated and then a new board — chaired by Taylor — was installed after employees and investors balked at his ouster. —

Ina Fried, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for balk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for balk

Noun

Beijing will face obstacles to this strategy in Europe, since its de facto support for Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine is an albatross around Beijing’s effort to improve relations.

Evan A. Feigenbaum, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
High costs and insurance gaps remain major obstacles to access.

Melvin Backman, Quartz, 3 Jan. 2025