balk Synonyms
Another word for balk
• verb (Context 1)
To hesitate, recoil, or refuse to proceed or comply with an idea, task, or demand (often followed by 'at').
"Many prospective buyers balked at the steep asking price for the fixer-upper property."
• verb (Context 2)
To stop short abruptly and stubbornly refuse to go forward (especially of a horse or pack animal).
"The nervous mare balked just before the wooden bridge and refused to take another step."
• verb (Context 3)
To thwart, foil, or hinder a person, plan, or effort.
"Torrential rains balked the mountaineers' attempt to reach the summit before nightfall."
• noun (Context 4)
A ridge of land left unplowed between furrows, or a roughly squared timber beam used in construction.
"Heavy oak balks were laid across the foundation to support the weight of the historic warehouse floor."
• noun (Context 5)
A check, hindrance, or sudden frustration of a plan or action.
"The unexpected budget freeze proved to be a serious hindrance to our research department's expansion plans."
Opposites of balk
The opposite of balk shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: