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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of balky Eventually, all the balky presses got going, and the Chicago Tribune completed its final Freedom Center run at 12:48 a.m. on Sunday. —

Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2024 Stoney didn’t like how the Wave reacted to the goal, echoing her team’s balky response in Seattle. —

Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2024 The culprit in his defining stretch on the front nine was a balky driver. —

Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2024 On Thursday, Ham explained that Russell had an injection in his balky left knee. —

Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for balky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for balky

Adjective

Unconventional and futuristic, Aquarius pushes us to break free from tradition, encouraging bold, rebellious choices in our wardrobe.

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Tomás forbids it, but Paja, in the style of rebellious teens and younger siblings everywhere, ignores him.

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024