OpenSynonym

balk

The word “balk” has 1 syllable: balk

It's pronounced as /bɔːk/

What is synonym and antonym for balk?

In the thesaurus, “balk” has 18 synonyms and 17 antonyms.

Here are synonyms and antonyms for balk along with examples of usage in sentences.

Synonyms for balk

Antonyms for balk

  • accept
  • advance
  • advantage
  • aid
  • assist
  • catalyst
  • encourage
  • face
  • forward
  • further
  • impetus
  • incentive
  • meet
  • ok
  • promote
  • spur
  • stimulus

Meanings of balk

  • noun
    1. An uncultivated ridge formed in the open field system, caused by the action of ploughing.
    2. The wall of earth at the edge of an excavation.
    3. Beam, crossbeam; squared timber; a tie beam of a house, stretching from wall to wall, especially when laid so as to form a loft, "the balks".
    4. A hindrance or disappointment; a check.
    5. A sudden and obstinate stop; a failure.
    6. An omission.
    7. A deceptive motion; a feint.
    8. The area of the table lying behind the line from which the cue ball is initially shot, and from which a ball in hand must be played.
    9. The area of the table lying behind the baulk line.
    10. The rope by which fishing nets are fastened together.
  • verb
    1. To pass over or by.
    2. To omit, miss or overlook by chance.
    3. To miss intentionally; to avoid.
    4. To stop, check, block.
    5. To stop short and refuse to go on.
    6. To refuse suddenly.
    7. To disappoint; to frustrate.
    8. To engage in contradiction; to be in opposition.
    9. To leave or make balks in.
    10. To leave heaped up; to heap up in piles.
    11. To indicate to fishermen, by shouts or signals from shore, the direction taken by the shoals of herring.

Example Sentences

  • Despite his initial enthusiasm, John would inevitably balk at the sight of his towering pile of laundry.
  • The chef would often balk at any suggestion to alter her signature recipe for fear of compromising its flavor.
  • The team's progress was impressive, but they would inevitably balk at the final hurdle, unable to clinch victory.
  • As a seasoned negotiator, Sarah knew when to balk at unreasonable demands during contract discussions.
  • The horse would frequently balk at jumping over the higher fences, causing frustration for its rider during competitions.

On this page you'll find 35 synonyms, antonyms, or another words to balk, such as: accept, advance, advantage, aid, assist, baffle, catalyst.

Make sure to choose synonyms and antonyms that are appropriate for the context of the sentence.

Related Words

back down

back off

backed down

backed off

backing off

Browse the Thesaurus