Synonyms of balk

balk 1 of 2

noun

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• embarrassment
• obstruction
• let
• interference
• barrier
• stop
• hindrance
• impediment
• burden
• encumbrance
• block
• inhibition
• stumbling block
• handicap
• deterrent
• hitch
• chain
• constraint
• cramp
• load
• shackles
• delay
• clog
• drag
• danger
• rub
• catch
• crimp
• bar
• disadvantage
• trammel
• holdback
• stone wall
• brake
• difficulty
• rein
• manacle
• snag
• curb
• restraint
• arrest
• fetter
• blockade
• stoppage
• hazard
• brick wall
• blockage
• drawback
• stall
• embargo
• peril
• hardship
• hobble
• bit
• holdup
• check
• adversity
• reef
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• impetus
• stimulus
• advantage
• spur
• catalyst
• benefit
• break
• edge
• goad
• assistance
• aid
• help
• stimulant
• boost
• handmaiden
• handmaid

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

• frustrate
• thwart
• baffle
• stop
• hamper
• defeat
• prevent
• overcome
• discomfit
• foil
• beat
• hinder
• halt
• impede
• checkmate
• block
• preclude
• check
• set back
• obviate
• obstruct
• stall
• interfere (with)
• arrest
• handicap
• inhibit
• hold back
• clog
• tie up
• avert
• encumber
• nullify
• forestall
• bar
• hobble
• offset
• conquer
• negate
• neutralize
• counteract
• shackle
• short-circuit
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• forward
• promote
• advance
• assist
• further
• aid
• cultivate
• foster
• facilitate
• nurture
• abet
• ease
• smooth

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of balk

Noun

Yes, but: In the final game of the season, the Rockies lost in Rockies fashion when a balk by the pitcher sent home the Dodgers go-ahead run in the eighth inning. —John Frank, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024

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

Verb

In an unexpected and unceremonious twist, the trade was rescinded after the Lakers, who had intended to pair Hornets center Mark Williams with newcomer Luka Doncic as a lob threat, reportedly balked at Williams’ medicals. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2025

Others balked at Trump's overtures and poured cold water on his upbeat outlook. —Barry Hatton, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing balk

• balk (at)